Among the worst things concerning finding yourself in a wheelchair is that you can not go everywhere you wish to go. For example, if you wish to enter a building which just has an entrance up several steps, you basically have to forget it. Although the Americans with Disabilities Acts of the 1990s forced the matter of all new buildings having wheelchair accessible construction of ramps and elevators, some older buildings are exempted except if remodeling has been done. This certainly limits the self-sufficiency enjoyed by these disabled Americans which makes them feel frustrated and dependent.
When a building is newly-constructed or even renovated, the laws are very precise about the amount of access they have to offer wheelchair patients. The slope of ramps should be between 1:16 and 1:20. The ability of someone in a wheelchair to handle an incline depends upon both slope and length. Even the best inclines are tough for individuals with poor upper body strength and endurance. It has been determined that most folks in wheelchairs can manage a slope of 1:16, but many are stymied by one of 1:12. When a building will be renovated, it needs to bring its accessibility up to code standards during the time of the construction.
Besides the degree of slope a ramp has, there are also guidelines regulating handrails and landings. Landings have to be at least as wide as the ramps leading up to them which would mean at least 36” x 60” long. If a ramp alters direction, the landing between the sections should be at least 60” x 60” to permit a turn radius. If there is a doorway at the top of the ramp, then the area leading to the door must comply with government specifications.
Below are some great wheelchair ramps auctions on eBay now!
MOBILITY CARRIER WHEELCHAIR SCOOTER RACK MEDICAL RAMP
 | US $199.90 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 1:35:25 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
RAMP KING XL WHEELCHAIR CARRIER MOBILITY TRAILER SCOOTER WITH 5' RAMP 500 LBS
 | US $249.97 End Date: Friday May-18-2012 22:09:48 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $249.97 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
New Hitch Mounted Mobility Wheelchair Carrier 60" Ramp
 | US $339.95 End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 20:09:52 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $339.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
All wheelchair accessible ramps must have handrails that are no higher than 28” unless it's a building specifically made for the use of children. If the ramp has a rise of greater than 6”, then there must be appropriate handrails on both sides.
Even if you are handicapped, you have rights to independence and freedom like everyone else. If you're having problems with places that you feel should be up to code but aren't, you can call the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice or visit with them about your rights. The phone numbers are 800-514-0301 for voice and 800-514-0383 for TTY.
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