MCIL Ramps -- Points to Consider

Consider these points once you have decided that a ramp is the best solution.

Who's the primary user?
What type of assistive device does the person use (cane, crutches, walker, manual or electric wheelchair, motorized 3-wheel cart)?
Will the person's abilities change? Plan for anticipated changes.
Will the person use the ramp independently or will help be needed?
Who will provide help and what are that person's abilities?
Which entryway is best for the ramp? Consider the inside as well as outside. Narrow doors or hallways can prevent access to a doorway from the inside.
Placement of existing door handles and swing direction of doors.
Where does the person want to go most often (garage, driveway, front sidewalk)? Where is the best place to access transportation?
If there is an attached garage, can a ramp be placed inside?
How will the ramp affect available yard space?
Are there barriers such as trees, shrubs, poles, etc.?
How will the ramp appear?
What are the local zoning requirements for lot lines and set-backs?
What will the cost be. Is there help available for financial assistance if needed?

Getting a Ramp Built: With information and materials available from most local building supply stores, an individual with ordinary carpentry skills can fabricate his or her own ramp. This is clearly demonstrated by the millions of homemade decks that have been constructed over the past few years. If a person lacks the basic carpentry skills, a local carpenter or contractor should have little trouble constructing a ramp. However, don't assume the builder you choose will have knowledge of the guidelines for ramps included in this publication. If the builder is unfamiliar with ramps for use by people with disabilities, a copy of this publication or similar information regarding guidelines for ramp construction should be provided to the builder to avoid an unsafe or unusable structure. Remember who the user will be-it won't be the builder.

In cases where financial resources are limited, the ramp might become a public service project of a local service organization, school carpentry class, carpenter's union, or vocational agriculture class. Contact one of these groups or the local Easter Seal Society, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or volunteer hotline for possible assistance.

For information on long-tread, low-riser steps, see page 56.

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