Blog entry by Adeline Waltman
Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps are a great solution to help wheelchair users to navigate inclines like curbs or steps. They are lightweight, and can be folded or put in a roll to store.
Local accessibility equipment retailers and medical supply stores provide numerous ramp options. Online retailers provide detailed descriptions as well as reviews and comparison tools of various ramps.
Portable Ramps Folding
Portable ramps that fold fold up make an extremely convenient wheelchair accessibility solution for wheelchairs. They can be utilized in various locations to help wheelchair users get around obstacles like steps, curbs, and raised surfaces. They are also less expensive and more difficult to maintain than in-floor ramps, which makes them an appealing option for a lot of people.
When you are choosing a portable folding ramp you should consider several aspects, such as the weight and size of your wheelchair, mobility device or scooter, as well as the surface you'll be using it on. The ideal ramp will have an incline that is equal to or slightly greater than the incline of the step or obstacle it will be used to navigate. If you're unsure of the ideal height for you consider consulting a healthcare professional or accessibility specialists for guidance.
Ramps are available in a variety of different designs, styles and capacities that can be customized to accommodate your individual mobility and wheelchair needs. There are a myriad of options, from simple threshold ramps for doorways with small openings up to full-length ramps that can be loaded in the back of vehicles.
Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Access (Https://Rubin-Berthelsen.Technetbloggers.De) ramps for wheelchairs are generally made of sturdy materials that ensure their strength and durability. They also have a non-slip surface to reduce the risk of slips or falls in all weather conditions.
The most commonly used portable ramp is the single fold ramp, which can be folded and secured in place by a hinge central to the ramp. Some models feature an additional hinge that runs along the ramp's width to further distribute the weight to provide a more substantial load capacity. Others are designed to be folded into several pieces and be carried around in a similar manner to a suitcase for maximum convenience. Others are made of a series connected links which can be removed or re-arranged to form a ramp of any length. They roll into a cylinder to make it easy to store. These types of ramps are commonly referred to as "roll-a-ramps". All of the various design options available for portable ramps offer a high level of safety as well as ease of use and mobility.
Easy to Set-up
When you are looking for ramps you'll need to select one that is simple to set up and use. Portable ramps can be occasionally used and may have to be stored in between use. This is why it's important that they're easy to assemble or disassemble. Some models fold in half or quarters, and are sized so that they can be inserted into most vehicles. This makes transporting them easy. Certain models have handles that allow them to carry like a suitcase. They are great to load a power chair into a van or for climbing small wheelchair ramp inclines.
Depending on the type of ramp you select It's important to consider how much weight your ramp can handle. If you're using a powered wheelchair and require a greater maximum capacity, you may have to think about ramps that offer greater stability and strength than those intended for manual wheelchairs or scooters.
If you are unsure of which kind of ramp will best meet your needs, you might be able to reach out to our Ramp Experts. They will help you decide which is the best for you and answer any questions that you may have. They can also assist you to determine the amount of incline you'll need and provide recommendations on the appropriate ramp length to meet your needs.
Another aspect to consider is the material your ramp is made from. Wood joist ramps are composed of very rough pressed wood and can be difficult to handle with your bare hands and may even cause fractures. To make them more manageable you can put handles made of plastic on the outside edge of each ramp board.
Another option that is ideal for those who frequently travel or are in search of an threshhold ramp that can help overcome single-step entrances or require an instant set-up and unfolding is a track channel ramp. This type of ramp has an aluminum frame that has tracks on which wheels are mounted so that you can simply roll the ramp into position and it's ready to use. The ramps can be easily rolled into your vehicle's back or onto a plane.
Cheaper than In-Floor Ramps
Both fold-out ramps and in-floor ramps offer a number of benefits that can help those with mobility issues. There are some key differences between the two ramp types that can help you decide.
Some prefer a portable ramp that folds out that can be put away in the vehicle's entryway and then extended to be utilized. The ramp is easily accessible by the user, and can be lowered by hand or mechanically at the push of a button. It also has perforations on the ramp's floor, which makes cleaning and maintenance simpler. In addition, some models have safety belts that aid in the safety of the wheelchair in use.
The ramps that fold-out fold are beneficial for side-entry as well as rear-entry conversions. This means that they can be fitted to vehicles like the Honda Element and Chevrolet Traverse. In-floor ramps are best for rear-entry conversions. This permits the wheelchair to be placed behind the driver's seat which is a good choice for families or people who travel with non-wheelchair users.
Fold-out ramps can be cheaper than in-floor ones. This is due to the fact that they require fewer components to operate and can be stored in a much smaller space than an in-floor ramp. This can reduce the time and cost on maintenance.
Remember that the price for ramps can't always be fixed. Many factors can impact the cost of a ramp, including materials, location and labor. A ramp made of Trex for instance, will be more expensive than one made of aluminum. Medicaid programs in certain states might cover the cost of ramps, however there are often restrictions or eligibility requirements. For instance, Medicare requires a doctor to declare the ramp medically necessary prior to it can be covered. This is because the government recognizes that ramps can improve the quality of life for those who have disabilities.
Simpler Maintenance
In addition to making sure that the ramp is free of debris, snow and ice, it is important to be sure that your ramp is safe for all who use it. It is essential to install rails to prevent wheelchairs from slipping off the edge. Also, the slope of the ramp must be at a level that is safe and not too shallow or steep. It is also recommended to treat the ramps with salt as you would walkways or roads to help with traction.
If you'd like to carry your ramp with you when traveling, search for ramps that fold or disassembled for easy transport. They are usually designed to fit into the back of your vehicle and are equipped with handles which make it easier to carry. They might cost more than in-floor ramps, but they'll save you the cost of a permanent ramp installation which is a great choice for those who are looking for temporary solutions to access wheelchairs.
A threshold ramp is another kind of ramp that can be used to fill small gaps, such as single steps or doorways. These are usually used in homes and businesses to make it easier for wheelchairs and scooters to get over the obstacles and proceed through the doorway.
Threshold ramps typically consist of lightweight aluminum and are smaller than other wheelchair ramp with rails ramps. When not in use, they can be folded and put in a closet or even in the trunk of your vehicle.
Telescoping stairways are similar to a threshold stairway but it can also be used to load mobility scooters at the rear of vans. The ramp is made up of two narrow channels that extend and retract to match the wheels of the adjustable wheelchair ramp or mobility scooter and can be used by itself or along with a threshold ramp at the entrance of a home or business.
If you are shopping for a ramp to increase accessibility at your home or business, consider connecting with local disability organizations. They'll likely have a network of manufacturers and suppliers and can offer recommendations or point you to reputable resources where you can purchase ramps at reasonable prices. Additionally, they might be aware of any financial assistance programs that could be available for the purchase of accessible equipment, such as a wheelchair ramp.