In public places it is a legal requirement to make access possible for disabled people. These disabled ramps can take many forms, but they must not be too steep so that they are difficult, or even dangerous, to use. In some cases they can be as simple as being a wooden strip attached to a door threshold allowing for a smoother ride.
Ramps are also useful for people on crutches, as they have difficulty manipulating steps. Visually impaired people also have difficulty walking down steps. Sometimes it is not clear when the step actually starts and finishes, though some have markings on the edges of each step these days.
There are a few things you must consider before you install a ramp. It should be easy for somebody using a mobility scooter or wheelchair to get on and off easily, and not be so steep that it is difficult to go up, and dangerous to come down. It is also good idea to use some form of anti-slip material to allow some traction for wheels. A method of ensuring that the ramp is not too steep is to design it in an S shape, extending the distance thereby lowering the angle of the slope.
It is possible to purchase portable ramps. These include ramps to allow access on and off vehicles, most of these can also be collapsed so they can be carried on the vehicle to be useful at the destination as well. These are quite often carried on train services so as to allow wheelchair users the ability to get on and off trains.
There are a wide variety of ramps that can be used in a household environment so as to allow disabled relatives to get about the home and garden easily. Because these will be used on a regular basis you should ensure that they are extremely durable, and can support the combined weight of the user and vehicle. Ensure that those used in the garden, and to get in and out of the home, are weatherproof.
There are also some that are extremely portable, and are known as suitcase ramps. These can be a great alternative when the wheelchair-bound user visits a location that has not been adapted for ease of use. However, these should not be seen as a permanent solution due to durability issues.
When you are selecting a ramp, consider the location where it is to be placed, how often it will be traversed, and whether it should be weatherproof. The consideration of the budget available is also important, however should not limit your choice. Once you have found the solution to meet your needs, you can be assured that you will be making the lives of your disabled visitors much easier.
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