Friday 31 January 2014

Advice For Choosing Wheelchair Ramps

By Eliza Mendoza


It is unfortunate that a lot of places are still not properly wheelchair accessible. In some cases this can be due to planning issues or in other cases it is because people are not aware of issues regarding access. One way to get around this is to purchase your own wheelchair ramps that are suited to your chair.

The first thing to consider is what is right for your chair. A manual chair will require less support than an electric. The simple reason is that electric wheelchairs tend to be a lot heavier than ones that you can operate manually. Therefore you need something that will be able to handle the additional weight.

Another difficulty is that people who claim that they offer access do not always necessarily understand the difficulties that people with mobility issues face. For example some companies may use a wooden board as a makeshift ramp so that people can enter their building.

There is also the issue of carrying a ramp with you. Fortunately there are a number that can be folded. This means that you can transport them easily in your vehicle and have them with you without being too heavy. Telescopic ones are also good because you can then adapt them to various distances.

You also need to consider the material that the ramp is made from when considering a purchase. A lot of manufacturers use aluminium because it is reasonably lightweight but is also durable enough so that you can transport it without worrying about it getting damaged en route to where you want to go.

It is also worth finding out to see if a ramp can be used for your vehicle. While there are vehicles that can be modified for disabled users some people may not be able to afford a modified vehicle. However the right kind of ramp can make using a standard vehicle more accessible as it allows you to enter the vehicle. Check product specifications to make sure that the one you choose is appropriate for your particular vehicle.

There are a number of companies that produce ramps. It helps to look at a range of options. This will allow you to gauge who offers the best quality of products within your individual price range. Remember it is better to invest a bit more in order to get one that is more durable rather than getting a cheaper product that you will end up having to replace multiple times and thereby cancelling out any initial savings by getting a cheaper ramp.

It is worth looking online for companies that supply wheelchair ramps. As well as finding out about the type of products they offer you should also check for any guarantees they can offer on the quality of their products and to check that they comply with guidelines in your local area. It is also worth checking customer feedback and product reviews so you can find the ideal ramp to suit your needs.




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