The Basics of a Handicap Ramp

One of the most widely used accessories for the disabled is the handicap ramp. These handicap ramps allow individuals in wheelchairs to enter and exit a building where they normally would not be able to do so. These ramps are also highly useful for those with baby strollers, shopping carts or freight on a wheeled carrier. So they are not just for the disabled, although that is the primary purpose of these ramps. For a building with stairs, a ramp is necessary for access by certain individuals. Even buildings without stairs need a handicap accessible entrance.

The ramp used by the disabled are planes placed on an incline. There are portable ramps as well as permanent ones. There are even semi-permanent wheelchair ramps. These ramps are placed on the ground or on a cement pad. Permanent ramps are usually held in place with cement or heavy duty bolts. The portable ramps fold into place for easy storage and are often crafted from lightweight yet durable aluminum. When it comes to the other types of ramps, wood and steel are the preferred building materials. There are benefits and drawbacks to each material.

Wood is cheaper than steel, but may not last as long due to wear and tear from the weather. Steel lasts longer, is usually more durable but also costs more. The design of a wheelchair ramp is extremely important, there are regulations that must be followed. For example most areas have minimum width requirements as well as slope requirements, which are for the safety of the disabled people using the ramp. In newly constructed public places a wheelchair ramp is mandatory through the Americans with Disabilities Act.

It is also entirely possible to outfit one's home with a handicap ramp. If you require one of these ramps at your home and do not currently have one, you will need to hire someone licensed and experienced in building handicap ramps and have it inspected for safety. There is no doubt that the wheelchair ramp is a necessity in today's world. It allows disabled individuals to access buildings that may have once been unaccessible. The Americans with Disabilities Act has done a lot for disabled people, not only have they made ramps mandatory but they also work to advocate for and assist those with disabilities.


 

News for the Physically Challenged:

 

Del. Lawmakers Seek Fines for Sharing Handicapped Plates, Placards
Delaware lawmakers are considering penalties for people who use someone else's handicapped parking plate or placard...


Radio Current Affairs Documentary: Disabilities - ABC Online

Radio Current Affairs Documentary: Disabilities
ABC Online
All of the seven victims of sexual abuse are intellectually disabled children between six and 13 years old. Some of them are now having AIDS tests. Most of the children can't speak because of their disability, although they can communicate through sign .

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Internet fetes developers' act for handicapped gamer
One game developer's response to a handicapped gamer gains attention and accolades, but it also emphasizes how far gaming for the disabled still has to go...


Lehigh man accused of sexually assaulting mentally handicapped man
A Lehigh Acres man has been charged with sexual assault on a victim with special conditions after deputies say he picked up a man at a gas station,...


SEPTA's New Classroom Aims To Teach Riders With Disabilities How To Use Mass . - CBS Local

CBS Local
SEPTA's New Classroom Aims To Teach Riders With Disabilities How To Use Mass .
CBS Local
Kristin Geiger, a spokeswoman for SEPTA, said the purpose is to train people with disabilities, their aids and companion animals how to use SEPTA's transit system. EURœSo for instance someone who may be in a wheelchair would learn what they would need to .

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Ordinance aids disabled drivers at gas pump - Tbo.com

Ordinance aids disabled drivers at gas pump
Tbo.com
But for Poindexter and other disabled drivers, a trip to the gas station is inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. Some relief arrived Jan. 1 for the more than 63000 drivers in Hillsborough County who, like Poindexter, have permanent handicap .

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Filmed beating of handicapped Cache student outrages community
Cache school officials are dealing with an appalling case of bullying a handicapped student.  While one student beat the handicapped boy, five students watched, while another student recorded it on camera and posted the video on YouTube...


Little relief for children with special needs - Times of India

Little relief for children with special needs
Times of India
Mahesh Pradip Patil, an orthopaedically handicapped student who is enrolled at Chhatrapati Shivaji School at Satpur received a broken tri-cycle a month ago under the SSA. The NMC has to provide supplementary aids to the CWSN such as wheelchairs, .

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White House Plans Nine-City Disability Tour - Disability Scoop
Obama administration officials are planning to fan out across the country starting this spring for a series of regional White House conferences to address disability issues...


Disability Studies, Temple U.: Disability Blog Carnival #80 is up NOW!
Cool stuff in the world of Disability Studies, Geography, and History. Based at Temple University in Philadelphia, with contributors from coast to coast. Check out our 'Notable Blogs' list below - your portal to the disability blog ...


Net1 issues stake to BEE partners - ITWeb

Net1 issues stake to BEE partners
ITWeb
. Wellness Community Development Project, Sosebenza Cultural Group, Ekuphumleni Frail and Aged Care Centre, Tembaletu School for Handicapped Black Children, Sinethemba HIV AIDS Support Centre, Ubuhlobo Womens Society and Imbiza Yomama Burial Society.

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