Wheelchair ramps come in a large variety of shapes, styles, and sizes. You can find wheelchair ramps that are permanent, semi-permanent, or even portable. They can be track ramps or platform ramps, folding or telescoping. A ramp can be just big enough to get over the threshold of a doorway, or designed to navigate a user to the top of a long flight of stairs.

Whether you are purchasing a wheelchair ramp for your home or business, having a ramp custom built by a professional or a group of volunteers, or updating an older wheelchair ramp because of safety issues – there are a number of things to prepare for, consider, and understand about wheelchair ramps.

Important Things to Keep in Mind When Building, Purchasing, or Updating a Wheelchair Ramp

Slope

Slope, or the degree of incline, is by far the most important thing to consider when building or purchasing a wheelchair ramp.

A steep wheelchair ramp defeats the purpose of what a ramp is designed to do. A wheelchair ramp is supposed to allow everybody the same access to a building or area, and provide that access in a safe way. A steep ramp is a danger to anybody using it – even those who normally wouldn't use a ramp. Steep ramps increase the likelihood of tipping backwards as well as requiring much more energy to climb.

When considering a ramp to build or purchase, remember that the lower the slope or degree of incline, the better. The minimum recommended slope for a wheelchair ramp in a public place is 1:12. That means for every unit of height, the ramp will be 12 units long. So if the ramp is designed to rise 1 foot in height, it should be at least 12 feet long. That's the minimum. If the area has icy or wet weather, it's important to consider an even lower degree of incline like 1:18 or 1:24.

With a lower slope the wheels on a wheelchair are less likely to slip and it will be easier for a person or mechanized wheelchair to climb the ramp. Plus, you also need to consider that what goes up, must come down. On a steeper ramp, it will be harder for a user to control their descent safely.

Landings

It doesn't do any good to have a wheelchair ramp if the person using the ramp is unable to open a door at the top of the ramp.

Landings (level areas) with adequate room to maneuver, change direction, and open a door are just as big a part of the design of a wheelchair ramp as the ramp itself. Without a proper landing at the top of a ramp that leads to a door – a person in a wheelchair will likely have much difficulty in trying to not roll backwards down the ramp while trying to open the door to get inside.

A landing at the bottom of a wheelchair ramp is equally as important because you'll want to give users adequate space to stop themselves or make a safe turn.

Also, you might consider landings spaced out in the middle of the slope if the ramp is of any significant length. This will allow users areas to rest, or make turns if the wheelchair ramp changes directions. In a wheelchair it is especially difficult to traverse an incline and turn at the same time – so for safety it is important to have any change in direction on a ramp done with a proper landing area.

Landing Transitions

Having appropriate landings also means you need to have properly designed transitions to those landings as well. With safety being one of the major factors surrounding wheelchair ramps – a high ‘lip,' a rut, or just a large change in degree of slope at a transition can be an accident waiting to happen for users in wheelchairs, caregivers, or pedestrians using the ramp. Having a proper transition will increase the safety for all users of the ramp and decrease the likelihood of an accident.

Weight Tolerance

It is very important to make sure that you check the weight specifications of any ramp you are considering. Wheelchair ramps are designed for a number of different types of use. Some are built for manual wheelchairs, some for electric wheelchairs, and some for just the wheelchairs without the users. Making sure that a wheelchair ramp is built for the use you intend it for may save a future accident from happening.

Handrails

If you are building a permanent ramp, handrails are a very important accessory with their own considerations.

Handrails serve a number of purposes. They allow users the option to pull themselves up the ramp instead of pushing. They allow users to stop and hold onto them if they need a break from pushing themselves. They also allow users the ability to steady themselves if they feel insecure going up or down the ramp.

Because handrails on a wheelchair ramp are used for more than just balance – it is important that wooden handrails be smooth and free of splinters to avoid other injuries.

The height of a handrail on a wheelchair ramp is also an important consideration as wheelchair users may need a railing at a lower height than somebody walking up a flight of stairs. Often, a double handrail will solve this issue.

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How to Pay for a Wheelchair Ramp: Insurance, Medicare, and Out of Pocket Costs

Your private insurance or Medicare may cover the cost of a prescribed wheelchair ramp to some extent. It's not uncommon to be rejected when you initially submit a claim – but don't let that stop you. Insurers generally respond to persistence.

Tips to help with a claim

·        Know your coverage and restrictions – Make sure you have the proper paperwork prepared and you have a doctor's prescription or pre-approval if necessary.

·        Have required information prepared – This should include the nature of your disability, monthly income and expenses, as well as your employment history.

·        Ask the medical supply vendor – Many vendors know the process and some will accept the Medicare portion of the payment as payment in full.

·        Keep detailed records – Having meticulous records can save you hours of work. Keep records of phone conversations and keep copies of all letters. These records can help you organize your claim as well as meet necessary deadlines.

Ways to lower the cost of buying or building a wheelchair ramp

·        Ask for the help of a local organization – There are many organizations – a carpenter's union, a local service organization, a local charity, a carpentry class – that will often volunteer time and labor, sometimes even materials to assist with building a wheelchair ramp. A few phone calls may save some money as well as give an organization the opportunity to help in the community.

·        Enlist the help of friends with basic carpentry skills – If you know a few people with basic carpentry skills you can enlist their help with the construction of the ramp. You'll still want to make sure that the design is safe and sound – many designs for wheelchair ramps are available on the internet free of charge. A nice dinner is a great way to repay these friends for the help.

·        State Housing Finance Agencies – Many of these agencies (called different things in different states) have programs available that help fund the modification of single family homes.

·        Veterans Administration – Offers help to veterans in making home access modifications like wheelchair ramps.

·        Centers for Independent Living – CIL's provide funding help for people with disabilities and home modification needs.

·        Library – Your local library may have a listing of grants that are available to help with necessary accessibility modifications like wheelchair ramps.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps

Modular Wheelchair Ramp

A modular wheelchair ramp is similar to buying a piece of furniture from IKEA. They come prefabricated in specified lengths and require a little assembly and installation. A modular wheelchair ramp can be semi-permanent, or portable if necessary. They are generally very sturdy and affordable. Before purchasing a modular ramp, it's important to make sure you order the correct size and length, as installation will be difficult if you don't. You'll want to consider a few important questions when ordering a modular wheelchair ramp:

·        Does the ramp meet ADA specifications?  ·        What tools and skills are necessary for assembly?  ·        Is there somebody available to assemble it?  ·        What is the return policy?  ·        You'll also want to see if you need a permit from your local building authority for installation of the wheelchair ramp.

Threshold Ramp

A threshold ramp is a short ramp designed to help a wheelchair go through a doorway with a small step or threshold. These ramps come in a variety of designs and materials – including aluminum threshold ramps or rubber threshold ramps. Threshold ramps are not designed to go up and over stairs or similar obstacles. They are perfect for heights up to 1 or 2 inches like a doorway or a sliding glass door entrance.

Track Ramps

Track ramps are ramps that come in two pieces, one for each wheel. They can be folding or telescoping or single piece ramps. They can also be built as permanent ramps, though they works best for portable, personal use. This is because public locations need to provide access to a number of different users – and wheelchairs come in different sizes so track ramps are not always a viable solution.

In a home, a track ramp can make it easy for a caregiver to push a wheelchair up or down a flight of stairs. Track ramps are ideal for situations in which the user has a caregiver to assist in traversing the tracks, as it can be more difficult to stay within the tracks.

Track ramps are a great solution for vehicle access as well mainly because they are lightweight, compact, and easily transportable.

Vehicle Ramps

There are a number of different options to help with vehicle access for wheelchair users. These wheelchair ramps designed for vehicle use combine portability and lightweight design. They come in a number of styles from tri-fold ramps to track ramps. Hitch mounted wheelchair ramps are also a viable solution for use with heavier electric wheelchairs.

Tri-fold wheelchair ramps are designed to allow wheelchairs and scooters access through the side door of a mini-van. They are  easy to transport and often fold up or telescope out of the side of the van. Tri-fold wheelchair ramp designs are an excellent solution for mini-van access.

Hitch Mounted Ramps are designed to be mounted onto the vehicle hitch of a van or SUV. They mount to the hitch and fold up allowing easy use and access. Hitch mounted ramps are sturdy and made with all-weather materials to withstand a number of different conditions.

Suitcase ramps are designed to be transported in the way that their name implies – like a suitcase. A suitcase ramp is often a single fold ramp that is lightweight and easy to carry. They offer the perfect solution for climbing single steps, curbs, and vehicles. They are also an affordable in-home solution for access to areas with a single step or incline.

Wheelchair Ramp Resources

The following web sites are great resources for information on purchasing or building a wheelchair ramp.

The Minnesota Ramp Project – The Minnesota Ramp Project is an organization dedicated to providing access to wheelchair ramp plans and information. Their website provides a "How To" manual that is useful for experienced contractors or volunteer builders and is free to download. Great for help with building permanent wheelchair ramps, the Minnesota Ramp Project is also a great source for information on funding. They have a comprehensive listing of available resources to contact for help with funding your wheelchair ramp.

The Dallas Ramp Project – The Dallas Ramp Project is an organization that helps to build wheelchair ramps for homes in and around the Dallas area. They build and install over 300 ramps each year. Their web site provides some detailed instructions on how to build a wheelchair ramp and has some great pictures of the process.

Rebuilding Together – Rebuilding Together is a non-profit organization that provides help for low-income families needing help with various home ownership issues. They also provide help in building accessibility solutions like wheelchair ramps for qualified families. Their services are provided free of charge to the homeowner through various grants and charitable donations. They have a very large and comprehensive web site that details their abilities and projects, and also explains the process of getting approved for help with necessary home accessibility modifications.

DisabilityInfo.gov– DisabilityInfo.gov is a web site managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. The goal of this web site is to provide quick and easy access to disability related information. It's an outstanding resource for people looking for information on help with wheelchair ramps or other accessibility issues.

Centers for Independent Living – This web site is a comprehensive listing of ‘CIL' resources. Many of these programs provide funding for qualifying individuals and families with accessibility needs. A number of these programs are state funded and cover 100% of the cost of home modifications.