How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp - Designs and Plans

As the world population ages, or suffers long-term effects of accidents and debilitating illnesses, the need for modifications to individual homes and businesses also increases. One of the primary changes is the addition of a wheelchair ramp to ensure safe accessibility. However, before grabbing a hammer, or hiring help, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp, with proper designs and plans.

In a pinch, many people will invent bizarre methods of getting a wheelchair into an inaccessible home or business. Maybe a couple of strong gentlemen will risk a hernia and pick up the chair. Others may grab a couple of boards and, after strategically placing the planks, roll the wheelchair over the steps. Neither practice is safe. Both methods are a temporary fix, at best. So, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp with proper designs and plans.

First, decide what type of materials needed for the ramp. Wheelchair access can be made with a pre-made metal ramp to be assembled. If building the ramp from scratch, is the ramp going to be concrete or wood? For people building a new home, a concrete ramp can be constructed when the sidewalks are poured. However, for most people, wood is an affordable and quick solution to access difficulties.

Now, with designs and plans, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp. First, the incline should not be too steep, or the wheelchair may tip over backwards, potentially causing great harm. Specifications state a one-inch incline per foot of ramp. For example, the steps into a home are 24 inches in height. Therefore, the ramp needs to be at least 24 feet long, with a rise of only one inch per foot.

In addition to length, the width of the ramp should be three feet. Naturally the ramp needs to accommodate the width of the chair. For now, maybe a child is using a smaller youth chair. The ramp still needs to be three feet wide, because he/she will eventually require an adult chair.

The length and width are correct-now what? Wheel guards are an excellent safety feature, when learning how to build a wheelchair ramp. A one-two inch high wheel guard will prevent a wheel from falling off the edge during use. At best, a handicapped individual can be stuck until help arises to get the wheel back on the ramp; at worst, slipping off the ramp can cause dangerous spills. So, the side guards are essential. In addition, rails are helpful for similar reasons. In addition, rails enable the handicapped person to pull him or herself up the ramp. Finally, a good ramp needs a little texture. In rainy or icy conditions, a wheelchair can quickly become a runaway on slick surfaces. Therefore, to provide added safety, a rough mixture of pebbles can be added to the surface concrete. When using a wooded ramp, indoor-outdoor carpet, or adding sand or texture to the varnish will provide a little more traction.

So, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp with safety in mind. Make sure the grade is not to steep, wheel guards and rails are in place, and texture has been added to the surface for added traction and safety. Use specific designs and plans, and stay safe.

Moses Wright is the owner of Wheelchair. He provides more useful information on Wheelchair Accessories And Aids and Wheelchair Holidays on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Rear Entry Wheelchair Vans

Before the mid 1980's there were limited options for the transportation of those destined to live their lives in wheel chairs. Greater attention to this issue is now being brought forward into the eye of the public. There are now higher priorities placed on access to public buildings, malls, department stores, and health care facilities. The emergence of the baby boomer generation and the acknowledgment of society that disabled people do exist spurred the creation of new technology. For many years people with disabilities were forced into a life of seclusion.

It may not be known by many but the invention of the minivan completely changed the life of people confined to wheelchairs. Wheelchair vehicles were only available in the large full size vans. The full size vans were user unfriendly. In many cases the use of these vans were limited to commercial use such a nursing facilities, and ambulatory care. The use of large vans is difficult in high traffic areas and created parking issues. With raised roof configuration entering lower ceiling room facilities such parking garages, drive up windows, and residential garages almost impossible.

Enter the minivan. The minivan was manufactured with the entire family in mind. Most wheelchair van converters now lower the floor ten to twelve inches instead of raising the roof. With the combination of lowered floor and automated ramp systems have simplified the transportation issue to the point of almost normal everyday life. The converted wheelchair van now has a similar appearance to the factory build minivan. The exterior of the van is not altered other than in the rear if the ramp is in the rear. In fact most rear entry wheelchair vans have enough room for two wheelchairs.

The rear entry handicap van maintains the same ground clearance as you would receive from the original manufacturer. This is especially important in hilly or mountainous areas. Speed bumps are no longer an issue and parking anywhere is always an advantage. The largest advantage of the rear entry wheelchair van is that you never get someone parked to close for loading and unloading. Weather conditions also have to be taken into consideration. Mobility vehicles the load and unload from the side have a lower ground clearance and make snow and ice a consideration before leaving on that trip to the mall or the food center.

There are many seating options available with the rear entry van. Most manufacturers take into consideration that the entire family will be traveling together on many occasions. Mid row seating for the wheelchair occupant assures that the family atmosphere is maintained. This type of seating also allows a caregiver to be seated nest to the disabled person for assistance if required. Suction machines and other live giving equipment can be used due to optional electrical upgrades.

Modern innovations have made it possible for the family with a disabled love one to experience the world together. Take your time when investigating the world of wheelchair vans. There are many different options out there. In a perfect world the need for these types of vehicles would not be required. This is not a perfect world so please take advantage of all the innovative technology available. Your family and or disabled love one is depending on you.

Warren Milliman
http://www.fminow.com

Parenting From a Wheelchair

Raising children is not an easy thing to do in this day and age. We have to worry about their friends, society, potential predators, and even what goes on at school with bullies. Still, if you think you have your parenting job cut out for you, and if you are one to complain about how tough it is, I'd like you to consider something; what if you had to do your parenting from a wheelchair? That would certainly put a different spin on things wouldn't it?

The other day, I was at one of the large bookstores, attached to the mall. Over the course of about three hours sitting there reading the latest magazines, deciding which ones I wanted to buy and take home. I was sipping on my frozen mocha blended coffee drink, and noticed several people over that time in wheelchairs. The two of them had children and they were parenting from the wheelchair.

Of course, during that same period of time several parents came through with their children and they were trying to control them from picking up things, running around, and/or crying. What was quite fascinating was the parents that those parenting from a wheelchair seemed to have kids who are more well behaved than the able-bodied parents. Isn't that interesting?

Obviously, you'd be at a severe disadvantage parenting from a wheelchair, but they are able to do it and they're doing it quite well. I guess I have a lot respect for that, and I'd have to ask the other parents; "What's your excuse?" If they can do it at such a severe disadvantage, and if they can rise above that challenge and parent behaved children, then why can't you? Please consider this.

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Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts facilitate the transportation of wheelchairs. Vehicles can be fitted with mechanical lifts that are time saving and eliminate the complications related to manual wheelchair transfers. Wheelchairs are designed to provide mobility to the disabled persons. They are feasible options, but it is difficult to load and unload them when moving out of the house or stepping into a vehicle. Wheelchairs are available in varying sizes and weight and it becomes difficult even for able-bodied people to maneuver them. The lifts eliminate the discomfort of the chair transfers and the difficulties of loading and unloading.

Wheelchair lifts operate with the help of varied mechanisms. These include the electrical and hydraulic systems. The benefit of installing hydraulic lifts is that they continue to function even when there is no electricity supply. Electric lifts are reasonably priced and can be fitted with telephone jacks, as well as mechanical door openers. When selecting a wheelchair lift, it is advisable to select the variety that has a battery back up, to ensure mobility even in the absence of electricity.

Stair lifts are popular for home use and can be operated by a single person. They provide accessibility for regular and smaller personal vehicles. Some people select automotive lifts, which are easy to assemble. Platform wheelchair lifts are the folding varieties. They are sturdy and are further categorized as automatic and semi-automatic. In an automatic device, the need for muscle power is almost negligible. They can be folded, unfolded, lowered and raised with the help of a switch. Semi-automatic lifts offer certain mechanized features, but users may be required to fold and unfold them manually.

Manufacturers have designed swing wheelchair lifts that are mostly used in minivans and vans. The wheelchair lift should be in accordance to the requirement of the vehicle in question.

Wheelchairs provides detailed information on Electric Wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs, Wheelchair Lifts and more. Wheelchairs is affiliated with Used Electric Wheelchairs.

What Is A Class 3 Powered Wheelchair?

A class 3 powered wheelchair is used for driving on most roads, including highways and dual carriageways but not on motorways.  It has an upper speed limit of 8mph and can be driven on roads to a maximum speed of 8mph and on pavement and paths of up to 4mph.  If you're thinking of buying a class 3 powered wheelchair you will need to familiarise yourself with the regular maintenance and also the legal requirements for the day to day use of your wheelchair. 

What do I need to do?

You don't need a driving license but will need to know and follow the Highway Code.  To gain confidence it would be a good idea to find a local course to teach you how to safely drive your powered wheelchair, they will have a comprehensive list of all the do's and don'ts.   No special clothing is needed but anything you wear that is reflective will alert other motorists to your position. Regularly check your lights are working and always turn them on at night.  Find out how far your wheelchair can travel in between battery charges and make allowances for older batteries, as they won't hold the charge for as long as a newer battery.  Your wheelchair should be serviced according to your dealer's recommendations and should undergo a safety check at least once a year.

Features

A class 3 wheelchair must have certain features including indicators, a horn and a rear view mirror.  It has an amber flashing light that must be used when driving on dual carriageways and can also be used when driving on roads as a warning light to other motorists. 

Parking

Follow normal parking rules and make sure that you park legally. 

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Wheelchair Umbrella for Outdoors - A Good Choice

The best enjoyed seasons are the summer and the spring times. The scenic beauty of a place can be best enjoyed by remaining outdoors. The various accessories and the types of wheelchairs available to the persons with disability are giving them more freedom to cash on the joys of remaining outdoors. The add-ons or the attachable accessories that come in handy for an outing, is the wheelchair umbrella. This part is best utilized to enjoy the summer without having to face the adverse effects like the sunburns.

When considering about buying an attachable umbrella for the wheel chair, one must check the size for proper coverage of the chair and the person. It must open up at least 40 inches, for proper sun or rain protection as it must be able to cover you properly. One must make sure that it covers the entire body to avoid the rain falling onto the lap. Hence the tiny ones do not suit to the covering needs. If one wants a fashionable looking umbrella, one can choose from the various colors and styles available in the market. One can find these in bright white or colored panels. Hence the fashion conscious can have their favourite pick from the collection available. The internet offers great convenience in this matter, as the person need not go to the store to browse through the types of umbrellas. These can be done at any place at a click of a mouse.

These are generally priced at a nominal rate. And considering the great advantages it offers, one can decide to buy it as it is a one-time investment does not need maintenance and other future investments. These wheelchair umbrellas can be attached to the sidelong of the equipment, from the base. The tilt and the elevation aspects can be easily adjusted as the clamps provide for the flexibility of adjustment.

This accessory can be used for any type of wheelchair, be it manual or electric one. This is attached to the frame of the wheelchair by making use of the clamps and hence it is considered secure. The umbrellas, that can be easily connected to the handle are also available now-a-days. These offer more coverage and convenience to the wheelchair user and can be pulled down when not being used. This umbrella device is attached to the wheel chair in such a manner, that it is not visible when pulled down.

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Wheelchair Accessible Construction Tips

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.

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