Disability. This word has many different definitions and connotations, but it is really an umbrella term that encompasses all kinds of activity limitations, physical and mental impairments, and participation restrictions.  An activity limitation constitutes an obstacle that a person runs into while attempting to accomplish a specific task, while an impairment would be considered any sort of inability to perform said task due to physical or structural limitations of the body.   A participation restriction means the disabled person is effectively restricted from involvement in various daily living activities due to the lack of proper handicapped access. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been revised because of the limitations of handicapped access to all public places, including the town public pool and the hotel's lazy river.  Physically disabled persons who struggle getting in and out of pools often avoid these difficult situations entirely.  Identifying the physical obstacles in the public entity's facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with disabilities is the ADA's mission.  The ADA recognized that all types of recreational water facilities across the US had been effectively placing a participation restriction on the disabled population with forced exclusion due to improper access.  To remedy this gross oversight, the ADA requires compliance with proper access entry points that went into effect in March.  For pool owners scrambling to comply with the new ADA standards, Rehabmart offers a new line of ADA compliant pool steps designed to facilitate this transition into a better, more inclusive world for our disabled friends and family.

       The Aqua Trek Pool Transfer Platform with 3 steps is compatible with all other pool access aids in an effort to make pool access easier than ever when a pool lift is not available, or when the person does not feel comfortable using a lift.  It is a secure, handy, lightweight device that allows wheelchair users to travel between the wheelchair to the platform right into the pool!  It is so simple to use and is one of the more cost effective solutions for equal access.

       The Aqua Trek Pool Ladder is customizable to fit the exact specifications of both the pool and the individual user's needs for the maximum in pool accessibility.  Available in 4, 5, and 6 step models, the tread's vertical spacing between steps is also customized according to the user's needs.  So don't delay in having your very own one-of-a-kind pool ladder built today!  It also comes with a wheelchair accessible ramp leading right up to the smooth descent into summer fun.

       For a deeper pool entry point, The Aqua Trek ADA Compliant Pool Ladder offers models with 5, 6, or 7 steps and is modified to fit based on specific pool measurements.  It is ideal for allowing hydrotherapy to reduce stress while building stronger muscles.  And with superior handrail support for an easy ascent and descent every time, it is a perfect choice to help the disabled pool lover to get reacquainted with the wonderful sensation of swimming again.

       The Aqua Trek Pool Access Step allows the user to walk forward into and out of the pool.  It comes in models with 6 to 8 treads, and it perfect for indoor and outdoor use.  To top it off, it is lightweight and portable, making it a snap to use for a multi-pool facility or to take along on a road trip. Just wheel it up to the side of the pool, walk in, and splash away.

At last, one more barrier to equal access for all has been recognized and rectified for the equal right to participate in recreational water activities!  All of these pool steps have wheels for simple, fast, and convenient transfer of earthbound disabled persons into the wonderful world of water that everyone enjoys in the summertime. All of Rehabmart's pool steps and ladders are ADA compliant, as Rehabmart continuously strives to surpass the technological needs of  thousands of  disabled Americans to help improve their quality of life in their daily living activities. 

Alyssa Aldana,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO