Posts Tagged ‘wheelchair’

Wheelchair ramps, helping overcome disability in a major way

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

For physically challenged people, restoring their mobility is the most important issue of their life. A physically challenged person will not have to rely upon a caregiver or remain confined to it’s home forever with the help of a manual or a power wheelchair. However, the disability coupled with lack of accessibility, can resurrect the issue. Any change in elevation, or a single stair or doorstep will endanger the freedom of movement. This is where technology has responded firmly in the form of wheelchair ramps and lifts. Generally, most public buildings are equipped with a ramp which is suitable for wheelchair users.

Wheelchair ramps are inclined planes installed in buildings and homes that give access to wheelchairs. Despite what people may think, they meet a lots of customer’s expectations by providing them with lots of options. Wheelchair ramps are essential to overcome steps and elevations in public places and at homes and to  help your wheelchair in-and-out of your van, car, or SUV. You can choose from permanent, semi-permanent, or portable wheelchair ramps.

Normally those places are equipped with permanent ramps where accessibility requirements are more, for example at hospital and public places or the places where accessibility is required for personal use, for example, at homes.

Ramps could be either bolted or cemented. A lot of wheelchair ramps come with handrails and non-slippery surfaces to facilitate effortless movement and to ensure safety for the  wheelchair user. However, if you need a ramp for only a short time, you can use a semi-permanent ramp which is placed over a cemented or ground surface.

Modular ramps, or portable ramps are sold in the form of suitcase wheelchair ramps, foldable wheelchair ramps, threshold ramps, power chair ramps, or scooter ramps. They support accessibility for vehicles and doorway thresholds. They can be easily carried,folded and stored after being used. They can be folded around the center, folded in a multi-layered compact package, or even rolled-up at hinge.

You can use telescopic ramps for four-wheeled scooters and wheelchairs. You can easily fold telescopic ramps into a compact package, and they are very convenient to carry and store, quite similar to modular ramps. They give more security by the means of a locking system and a non-slippery surface.

Threshold ramps are used domestically to bridge small differences of level between floor levels. Threshold wheelchair ramps could be used to efficiently and quickly bridge a change in floor level,or a ridge or to connect two floors on the same level.

Now many buildings, schools, universities, and other public places have already installed wheelchair ramps in their premises because of ncreased state legislation and consumer awareness. However, portable ramps are of much help at places, where accessibility is tough, or for personal use at home and vehicles.

Carry your wheelchair ramp with you

Monday, September 14th, 2009

People with disabilities find it hard to cope with the fact that they have to forego their freedom to move around. Though wheelchairs improves your accessibility to a great extent but still moving around freely in public places could be a big problem. Stairs and elevated surfaces make it very difficult to wheelchairs users to move effectively. Best solution is to construct a ramp. However, it is practically impossible to build a ramp at every possible place the patient will visit. This is where technology has responded very firmly and effectively through portable wheelchair ramps.

Portable wheelchair ramps are designed to live up to their name. Since they are lightweight they can be easily carried any where. They can be easily installed, dismantled, folded in single or multi layers, or even rolled up. You can access many places which are restrictive due to curbs, stair steps, and doorsteps. You can use them to lift your wheelchair to stairs, elevations, cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs and can be dismantled and folded.

Also, portable wheelchair ramps provide support for a varied range of distances and heights. You have to keep these two factors in mind while buying a portable ramp for yourself or your loved ones. Additionally, you need to consider how you will store the ramp after using it.

In addition, portable wheelchair ramps are versatile enough to address every possible accessibility requirement. Thats why, it is prudent to seek advice of a local vendor or a webportal for the best portable wheelchair, which is most suited to your requirements. Let’s see some of the common types of portable wheelchair ramps.

The most common portable wheelchair ramps are the suitcase portable wheelchair ramps. They can be installed quickly and can be folded and carried just like you can carry any suitcase. They are highly portable, so they live up to their name. They are light weight, and greatly enhance the accessibility of the handicapped individual. There can be a single fold at the center of the ramp, although double or triple fold ramps are also available. The ramp, when unfolded, will support accessibility of varied lengths and widths. When folded, it will take the form of a compact and tidy package which you can take along anywhere you go, and which you can store at home or during travels.

Apart from offering similar advantages and features, rollup portable wheelchair also provide easy setup, handling process, transition, and after-use storage. Unlike their foldable counterparts, they are rolled up thanks to the hinged configuration they feature. They are very compact and lightweight, making them highly portable. Use this option if you need accessibility support for limited steps or low inclination.

Finally, you can also have a telescopic ramp. They are tailor made for shorter steps, lower weight capacity, and higher inclinations. They are also very light.