Wheelchair ramps, helping overcome disability in a major way
Posted by on 28th September 2009
For handicapped people, getting their mobility back is a key issue in life. A physically challenged person will not have to rely upon a caregiver or remain confined to it’s home forever with the help of a manual or a power wheelchair. However,lack of accessibility along with the disability can again raise this issue. Freedom of movement could be adversely affected by a small change in elevation,or a single stair or doorstep. This is where technology has responded firmly in the form of wheelchair ramps and lifts. Generally, you will be able to find a ramp suitable for wheelchair users in most public buildings.
Wheelchair ramps are inclined planes installed in buildings and homes that give access to wheelchairs. Despite what most people think, they address a versatile base of customer needs and are available in a plethora of options. Wheelchair ramps are essential to overcome steps and elevations in public places and at homes and to help your wheelchair in-and-out of your van, car, or SUV. You can choose from permanent, semi-permanent, or portable wheelchair ramps.
Normally those places are equipped with permanent ramps where accessibility requirements are more, for example at hospital and public places or the places where accessibility is required for personal use, for example, at homes.
Ramps are bolted or cemented. A lot of wheelchair ramps come with handrails and non-slippery surfaces to facilitate effortless movement and to ensure safety for the wheelchair user. However, if you need a ramp for only a short time, you can use a semi-permanent ramp which is placed over a cemented or ground surface.
Modular ramps, or portable ramps are sold in the form of suitcase wheelchair ramps, foldable wheelchair ramps, threshold ramps, power chair ramps, or scooter ramps. Accessibility for vehicles and doorway thresholds is supported by them. They can be easily carried,folded and stored after being used. You can fold them around the center into a multi layered compact package, they can even be rolled up at hinge.
You can use telescopic ramps for four-wheeled scooters and wheelchairs. You can easily fold telescopic ramps into a compact package, and they are very convenient to carry and store, quite similar to modular ramps. They provide additional safety through a locking system and a non-slippery surface.
Threshold ramps are employed at homes to bridge small level differences between floors. Threshold wheelchair ramps could be used to efficiently and quickly bridge a change in floor level,or a ridge or to connect two floors on the same level.
Now many buildings, schools, universities, and other public places have already installed wheelchair ramps in their premises because of ncreased state legislation and consumer awareness. However, portable ramps are of much help at places, where accessibility is tough, or for personal use at home and vehicles.
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