Never let a curb or step stand in your way of getting where you need to go! Wheelchair ramps make it easy to navigate both private homes and commercial locations around Charlotte. Where do you start?
Map Out the Ramp Layout
The type of ramp and any customizations you may need will depend on the entrance into the home or business. For homes that have one or two steps at the entrance, a shorter, portable ramp may be the simplest solution. But, if the entrance is higher, then you will likely need a more sizable ramp system.
Below we outline some key things that a C.E.A.C. (Certified Environmental Access Consultant) would look for in the evaluation stage of the ramp:
Ramp Length
The higher the entrance, the longer the ramp should be in order to help maintain a safe and gradual slope. If the ramp is too short for the rise, if a person is propelling their manual wheelchair, this may be too much for them to accomplish on their own or even with a caregiver/assistant. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 set in place a ratio for ramping in commercial and government settings of 1 inch of rise equals 1 foot of ramping and a slope of no greater than 8.33 degrees. This doesn’t have to be what is selected in the home but it’s a great benchmark to strive for as this slope has proven to be very effective in assisting a manual wheelchair or walker user in being as efficient as possible while using a ramp.
Ramp Width
When it comes to determining the ideal width of a wheelchair ramp, we not only recommend checking with your local municipality to see if there are ramp width requirements in place, but also measuring the size of the mobility device that is being used and the amount of room it takes for the individual to turn around. EZ-ACCESS residential ramps come in standard widths of 36” and 48” to accommodate most mobility devices.
Platforms
Platforms are flat landing areas used to help individuals maneuver on and off the ramp with ease, and they also act as resting spots on longer ramp runs. In order to keep individuals safe and allow for comfortable ramp use, make sure you meet your local municipality’s requirements, if applicable. They may have requirements similar to the ADA (Americans with Disability Act), which states that a 60” x 60” platform needs to be at the top of every ramp and a resting platform needs to be present after every 30’ of ramp. After using the incline calculator for ramp length, you’ll know how many platforms are necessary for the ramp being installed at your home.
Portable Ramps for use at home or on the go
Semi-permanent ramps for home access
Long-term home access ramps for higher rises
Installation of EZ-ACCESS ramps can be done by Carolina’s Home Medical Equipment. The process is fairly simple and takes only a matter of hours, which means minimal disruption for you and your family.
Contact Our Charlotte Office for Wheelchair Ramps
Carolina’s Home Medical Equipment is here to help connect you with a wheelchair ramp that allows you to safely navigate obstacles from door thresholds to curbs and steps. To learn more about which option is right for you, call us today at (704) 846-7503 or fill out the form below!