Wheel Chair Ramps

Sometimes we have to be in a situation to understand the need. That's certainly the case with wheel chair ramps. Watch anyone in a chair struggle to get into a building and the need becomes obvious.

The good news is that most buildings now provide access to people in chairs, and government buildings and public institutions are required to do so, although it took years of lobbying to get to this point. And it's only been about a decade or so since the idea became a reality. However many buildings are not required and not equipped. Even some businesses are not required to have ramps and of course, most homes do not.

For businesses, it is inexcusable. A wheel chair ramp is very easy to build. And just about any commission that works with the handicapped will have a guide available to show you how it's done. It simply needs to be sturdy and has to have a relatively mild incline. This makes it easy to push someone up, and keeps the chair under control when coming down. The cost is minimal in most cases, usually around $100 if you do it yourself. And often times grants are available for business wanting to make their building handicapped accessible.

As for homes, well obviously not all homes need to be equipped with a ramp. However how does someone in a chair get into a home that has a couple of steps on the entry? That's where portable wheel chair ramps are a huge help. If you've never seen one, most of them are in three sections and weight about 70 pounds and come in a flat carrying case, making them easy to take wherever you go. They can be put in place or taken down in just minutes. And they are built sturdy enough to hold about 500 pounds.

These are an absolute necessity if you are in a chair, have a friend or family member in a chair, or are taking care of someone. They are not overly expensive and the convenience they provide is unmatched. A portable ramp will allow anyone in a wheelchair access to almost any single lever home.

And if you check on eBay, you can likely get one for less than you think.