Wheelchair Ramps — Improve Accessibility in Various Settings

Living Free Home
3 min readMay 23, 2017

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Wheelchair ramps enable wheelchair or scooter users to safely and independently enter and exit a building or a vehicle. They can be set up at the steps leading to front or back entry doors, from the garage into the home, at the side door or rear door of a vehicle, and over thresholds. By overcoming the challenge of climbing and descending the steps or similar barriers, ramps are a great option for individuals and families dealing with the day-to-day issues of having a disability.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 53 million adults in the United States live with a disability. The most common functional disability type is a mobility limitation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made a positive difference in the lives of those who have disabilities by ensuring better access to buildings, transportation and employment. ADA requires that an employer should provide reasonable accommodation to make the workplace more accessible for wheelchair users. All transportation vehicles should be equipped with wheelchair ramps to make the entering and exiting from a vehicle easy for individuals with disabilities. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that landlords allow disabled tenants to install a ramp to their living unit or common areas, at their expense.

Wheelchair ramps come in aluminum, steel, wooden and rubber, and can be installed in residential and commercial applications. Reliable accessibility equipment companies in New Jersey design wheelchair ramps to meet individual requirements. Both permanent and portable wheelchair ramps are available.

Permanent Ramps

Once installed, a permanent ramp becomes a part of that property. It cannot be easily removed. Options include aluminum, steel and wooden wheelchair ramps.

>> Aluminum Series

These ramps are extremely strong, durable, and reliable. They are 100% maintenance free and recyclable. A 2” safety curb on the two sides prevents the wheelchair from rolling off. The skid resistant aluminum tread surface which prohibits the users from slipping and falling.

• Come with a lifetime warranty
• Maximum carrying capacity — 800 lbs
• Can be easily installed within hours
• Tread has an open mesh design that allows for natural drainage, yet restricting small object from passing through
• Eliminates the formation of puddles
• Will not rust, rot and less likely to deflect.

>> Steel Series

Affordable, skid resistant and aesthetically pleasing, the ramps in this series come with a three year manufacturer’s warranty. All components are coated with a durable powder-coated finish which makes them stronger than painted steel ramps. Their modular design allows them to fit perfectly in any configuration.

• Can comfortably accommodate 800 pounds of weight
• Allow natural drainage
• Prevent formation of puddles
• Aluminum parts eliminate high maintenance issues

>> Wooden Series

Made of kiln-dried premium pressure treated southern yellow pine wood, wooden wheelchair ramps will not rot, damage or decay easily. They can withstand various climatic conditions. There is an adequate gap between each wooden board which enables natural drainage and natural expansion and contraction. These systems can be quickly installed, within a few hours.

>> Portable Ramps — These temporary ramps allow wheelchair and scooter users to access steps, vehicles, and raised landings. Being portable and lightweight, they can be easily carried and stored after uninstalling. Suitcase ramps, aluminum and rubber threshold ramps, multifold ramps, solid wheelchair ramps and wheelchair ramps for Vans, SUV’s and Trucks come in this category.

Purchase of a wheelchair ramp with top lip extension (TLE) can clear the bumpers of SUVs or vans. With top lip extension, you can increase the reach of the ramp by extending the top lip transition plate from 3″ to 9″.

Make Sure to Purchase Ramps from Certified Dealer

You can buy wheelchair ramps in New York from a reliable dealer of home accessibility equipment. In addition to helping you choose a product to suit your application, they will also provide cost-effective professional installation. Leading suppliers also offer DIY (Do It Yourself) modular ramp kits that include all parts, pieces and an installation guide to help you build a ramp on your own. They can also offer wheelchair ramps for rent for any temporary requirements you may have.

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Living Free Home
Living Free Home

Written by Living Free Home

Living Free Home is your local New Jersey provider of home accessibility equipment: stair lifts, modular ramps, portable ramps, wheel chair lifts, and more.

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