A portable wheelchair ramp is the quick and easy accessibility solution. They can be used to access vehicles, navigate curbs and thresholds, and for temporary access into homes. They are designed to be lightweight and compact for easy transport. There are different types of portable wheelchair ramps to suit every need.

There are all types of portable wheelchair ramps available: Folding, Threshold, Telescoping, Van & SUV, Solid, Bariatric or Modular. Yes, modular. You can get a custom designed modular ramp.

Solid portable wheelchair ramps come in different lengths. These provide quick and easy access into your home or vehicle. They are made of just one piece and no assembly is required. Check the amount of vertical rise by measuring the distance between the top and bottom landings. They accommodate between six and ten inches of rise. These portable wheelchair ramps have a 600 pound capacity yet they are lightweight.

Folding portable wheelchair ramps are easier to move from place to place. Often they are referred to as suitcase portable wheelchair ramps because of the way they fold up to be carried like a suitcase. Some separate into pieces making them even more manageable. You can use them at home or when visiting a friend. They also can provide vehicle access. Just take them apart and/or fold them up to transport them.

Threshold portable wheelchair ramps make navigating within the home easier. They eliminate the need to “bump up” through doorways, making it safer to enter slightly different levels within the home, sliding glass doors and landings. They may be constructed of aluminum or rubber. The rubber ones can be easily trimmed and are great for sliding glass doors because they do not interfere with the tracks. They sit flush against the door sill and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

One more barrier to getting out in the world and visiting friends is removed. No more having to tell them, “I’d love to come over, but I can’t get in.” or hiding behind another excuse because you are embarrassed. With so many choices available, it is easy to find the portable wheelchair ramp you need.

Wheelchairs offer freedom of movement to people with varied mobility problems, in a range of environments such as the home, work place or locality, often times, without the aid of a caregiver.

Wheelchair ramps come in a wide assortment of designs that are perfect for making steps and curbs accessible, stowing a wheelchair into a vehicle, and in places where there is a requirement to make up for height differences. Miniature ramps can be used to negotiate the threshold without making any structural changes.

The various types of wheelchair ramps can be divided into four subgroups depending on their main features such as horizontally and longitudinally folding ramps, telescopic ramps and fixed dimension ramps. Telescopic ramps can be further divided into “U” shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps.

The various wheelchair ramps available in the market are Track Wheelchair Ramps, designed to line up with the wheels of the wheelchair some of which use a telescoping design tht extends to be used on steps, vans or curbs. These are designed for both manual and electric wheelchairs and are mostly made from anodized aluminum. Threshold Wheelchair Ramps mostly made from lightweight aluminum are designed for both indoor and outdoor use to help negotiate difficult obstacles like doorways and other raised areas. These can either be fitted permanently or can be moved form place to place. Modular Ramps designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation. These may include platforms, integral landings, self-contained leveling systems, supports, wheels, flanges, and handrails. The units may be joined by bolts or clamps, or fitted together. Many manufacturers of modular ramps offer custom dimensions and generally ship all of the parts with installation instructions. Single-Fold Wheelchair Ramps designed to fold in the middle making them highly portable, easy to handle and set up. Multi-Fold Wheelchair Ramps folded not once but twice and can be carried like a suitcase and the added length allows for taller obstacles to be maneuvered easily. Roll-Up Wheelchair Ramps are extremely portable with their hinge design which allows for easy folding and convenient storage. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramps are multi-purpose, telescoping ramps that can be extended to suit diverse needs and lengths. Most are made from aluminum and come with a lasting non-skid driving surface. Van Wheelchair Ramps are designed for quick access to a van door (side or back). These are easy to install, have a high load capacity of 800 lbs, are lightweight and manually operated and made from high strength aluminum with a non-skid driving surface.

Product appraisals and trials involving wheelchair users have highlighted the fact that no single ramp design met all the needs of the users, though wheelchair ramps were available in a diverse range of designs and configurations.

One of the newer trends among the graying population is known as Aging-In-Place or A.I.P. Many people no longer want to retire to a warm climate, they would rather remain, at least part of the year, where their children and extended family are, more specifically, they often want to remain in their own home. This is the first in a series of articles about ways to prepare a home for ease of lifestyle over an extended time span.

In family situations where this may be the case, it makes sense, when undertaking any renovation, to look for ways to design which will allow an aging occupant to adapt the home more easily as circumstances change.

The most common places where problems occur are bathrooms, kitchens and paths of travel, including stairs, doorways, and other areas where changes in elevation occur, such as garage to house, or front entries.

This article will look at bathrooms. Obstacles here can include the type of handles on fixtures, ease of getting up and down from a toilet, the general slipperiness that water can cause and steps or curbs into tubs or showers. Preparing a bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair or walker is also worth thinking about when renovating.

Some solutions are extremely easy. All faucet companies have extensive lines of ADA approved faucets. Lever handles provide the ability to turn on and off easily, even with the wrist, if hand strength is diminished. Faucets come in top of the line styles and finishes, and can be used in the bathroom at any time. Lever handles are also a good idea on doors.

One of most useful (and easy) ideas is the installation of reinforcement in walls for the future placement of grab bars. Grab bars are typically located adjacent to and behind toilets and around showers or tubs, and the reinforcement usually consists of a piece of plywood or metal firmly attached to the studs along a length of wall, usually between 32″ and 38″ off the floor for a horizontal bar, hidden behind the tile.

If you’re changing the door, you might want to consider the opening width. A “usable” door that will accommodate a wheelchair needs a 32″ clear opening. This can usually be achieved with a 2′-10″ door installed in a standard manner.

Space is needed not only to open and get through doorways, but also to turn around, and to manipulate from the wheelchair onto the toilet, into a tub or shower, or under a sink. Accessibility Guidelines have been set over the years through Federal acts, and these guidelines provide excellent standards when looking at design solutions. A wheelchair basically occupies 30″ x 48″ of space, so it is considered that a circle with a diameter of 5ft (60″) is the right amount of clear space to allow for a wheelchair to turn around, whether in the U of a U-shaped kitchen or in a bathroom, and an area of 30″ x 48″ should be provided in front of any fixture where a wheelchair would have to go. The orientation would depend on how the person would be approaching the fixture.

In this situation, sinks can either be installed in a countertop, without a base, or with retractable cabinet doors, to allow a user to slide in under the sink. A minimum width of 2′-6″ is needed, with 3′ being a more optimal width. Cabinet manufacturers have whole lines of cabinetry tailored to meet the increasing need for accessibility, both in the kitchen and the bath.

A toilet should be placed where there is a minimum of 33″ between a wall and the nearest fixture, with the toilet itself 1′-6″ from the wall to allow the most efficient use of a grab bar along the side for assistance if desired. Most toilet fixture manufacturers now produce toilets known as something like “comfort height” which have the seat equivalent to a chair, higher then the traditional toilet, which are easier for sitting and rising for any age.

Lastly, let’s talk about tubs and showers. If floor space below a shower area allows, a shower can be recessed so that its entry is flush with the bathroom floor for roll-in access. “Wet area designs”, in which the shower floor doubles as the entry to the tub, can use space in a very efficient manner, and basically allows a tiled portion of a room to act as a shower. Trench drains at the edge of the tiling can prevent water from escaping. If a shower cannot be recessed, nor a “wet area” desired, there are collapsible rubber water barriers, which will allow a wheelchair access into a shower, while keeping water in, although this is not as desirable a solution. Minimally, a shower should be 36″ deep to minimize uneven surfaces and should allow sufficient space to accommodate grab bars and a seat, so that a person can use the facility in a comfortable and safe manner.

This article is meant to be an introduction to some solutions to common issues that arise in homes as the occupant’s age, and the writer suggests that you contact your architect or contractor for more specific information about the possibilities in your home.

Thousands of Americans suffer from illnesses and injuries every year that would require them to use a wheelchair. How much impact does this have on society? If you happen to be a loved one of one of those who has to use a wheelchair, you may have to perform some wheelchair accessible construction at home to make it easier for them to move around.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations to meet certain standards so as not to discriminate against the handicapped, including people in wheelchairs. As a result, business owners have to make their facilities accessible for handicapped persons. Not only is it required, but it’s also good for business.

So what type of wheelchair accessible construction are you thinking of? Homes and businesses should have handrails, wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and of course, commercial washroom accessories. At home you will need something to sit on while taking a bath, so a folding tub seat or shower seat will be necessary.

For wheelchair ramps, there are many varieties to choose from. The first type is the modular wheelchair ramp which is portable but really strong and affordable. Another is the solid wheelchair ramp, a one piece unit for times when a permanent ramp is needed. A folding wheelchair ramp, on the other hand, is durable and lightweight for travel. Lastly, a threshold wheelchair ramp is specifically created for doorways.

Grab bars and handrails are considered to be two of the most important parts of the wheelchair accessible construction for home or business. They make great accessories for those individuals on wheelchairs, especially in restrooms.

Handrails and bars provide the stability and extra support for those who really need it. In fact, handrails may be used beside a ramp and would prove to be really helpful if the ramp happens to be very long. It will help the individual keep their balance and provide safety.

According to ADA, handrails must also be securely anchored and mounted between 34 and 38 inches high, projected from the wall 1 1/2 inches, and the ends rounded off for safety. On the other hand, grab bars need to be mounted securely and it involves screwing the hardware directly into wall studs or wood blocking.

One of the very important parts of making a home ready for an individual with a wheelchair is the shower or tub seating. There are actually many different types of seating including the L-shaped shower seats and folding tub seats. It is recommended to have the seats mounted on the wall as the individual wouldn’t have to place the unit in and out of the tub. Keep in mind that security and safety are the two most important things when working on wheelchair accessible construction. Always ensure that all additions are safely made and comply with the ADA standards.

Wheelchairs offer freedom of movement to people with varied mobility problems, in a range of environments such as the home, work place or locality, often times, without the aid of a caregiver.

Wheelchair ramps come in a wide assortment of designs that are perfect for making steps and curbs accessible, stowing a wheelchair into a vehicle, and in places where there is a requirement to make up for height differences. Miniature ramps can be used to negotiate the threshold without making any structural changes.

The various types of wheelchair ramps can be divided into four subgroups depending on their main features such as horizontally and longitudinally folding ramps, telescopic ramps and fixed dimension ramps. Telescopic ramps can be further divided into “U” shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps.

The various wheelchair ramps available in the market are Track Wheelchair Ramps, designed to line up with the wheels of the wheelchair some of which use a telescoping design tht extends to be used on steps, vans or curbs. These are designed for both manual and electric wheelchairs and are mostly made from anodized aluminum. Threshold Wheelchair Ramps mostly made from lightweight aluminum are designed for both indoor and outdoor use to help negotiate difficult obstacles like doorways and other raised areas. These can either be fitted permanently or can be moved form place to place. Modular Ramps designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation. These may include platforms, integral landings, self-contained leveling systems, supports, wheels, flanges, and handrails. The units may be joined by bolts or clamps, or fitted together. Many manufacturers of modular ramps offer custom dimensions and generally ship all of the parts with installation instructions. Single-Fold Wheelchair Ramps designed to fold in the middle making them highly portable, easy to handle and set up. Multi-Fold Wheelchair Ramps folded not once but twice and can be carried like a suitcase and the added length allows for taller obstacles to be maneuvered easily. Roll-Up Wheelchair Ramps are extremely portable with their hinge design which allows for easy folding and convenient storage. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramps are multi-purpose, telescoping ramps that can be extended to suit diverse needs and lengths. Most are made from aluminum and come with a lasting non-skid driving surface. Van Wheelchair Ramps are designed for quick access to a van door (side or back). These are easy to install, have a high load capacity of 800 lbs, are lightweight and manually operated and made from high strength aluminum with a non-skid driving surface.

Product appraisals and trials involving wheelchair users have highlighted the fact that no single ramp design met all the needs of the users, though wheelchair ramps were available in a diverse range of designs and configurations.