Wednesday, 16 April 2014

Consider Getting Portable Disabled Ramps To Make Visiting Relatives A Lot Easier

By Anita Ortega


People who have difficulty with mobility often find it very difficult using steps. The obvious cases of these are users of wheelchairs and electric scooters, however steps are also a struggle for people with visual impairments and problems such as muscular dystrophy. For some, coping with one step is not too difficult, but any more can cause severe access problems.

In many cases it is a legal requirement for disabled ramps to be made available for people who need them. These can vary in size and construction. They cannot be too steep, as this would be hazardous, though they might just be a small wooden strip on a threshold to a door to make it a smooth ride for a wheelchair. The ends of a ramp should also not lead into sharp turns.

If somebody uses crutches, they find using these ramps much easier as well. This also goes for visually impaired people, who find it difficult going down steps if they are not clearly marked where they begin and end. This can be as simple as painting a very bright strip on the edge of each step.

Determining what kind of ramp you need to install to allow for greater access to your property should be taken with due consideration, and professional advice. Access to a ramp should not involve having to negotiate a sharp turn. They should also not be too steep, which would make it extremely difficult to go up and dangerous to go down. Anti-slip surfaces are available, and it is a good idea to make use of them.

There are also portable ramps available for purchase. These are extremely useful to allow access to vehicles, and can also be stored on the vehicle to be used once the destination has been reached. Many train services carry them so that their passengers have no problem getting on and off the train.

There are a wide variety of ramps that can be used in a household environment so as to allow disabled relatives to get about the home and garden easily. Because these will be used on a regular basis you should ensure that they are extremely durable, and can support the combined weight of the user and vehicle. Ensure that those used in the garden, and to get in and out of the home, are weatherproof.

There are also some that are extremely portable, and are known as suitcase ramps. These can be a great alternative when the wheelchair-bound user visits a location that has not been adapted for ease of use. However, these should not be seen as a permanent solution due to durability issues.

When you come to select a ramp, or a series of them, analyse your requirements carefully. This will include the regularity that it will be used, and the budget you have available. The choice available these days is tremendous, and you are almost certain to find something to meet your budget. Getting a wheelchair ramp will make your disabled friends lives a lot easier, and pleasanter.




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