People often think wheelchair ramps are only useful for wheelchair users and people who use mobility devices. But the benefits of having a wheelchair ramp in your home extend far beyond that.
With them, it's easier to get around the house without worrying about someone slipping on uneven floors or falling down the stairs. The obvious benefits of a wheelchair ramp are that wheelchair users can safely and easily navigate stairs and thresholds, and have easy access to the house and its yard (and vice versa) – but wheelchair ramps will benefit everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Here are some examples of how ramps can make everyday life more convenient:
- It makes it easier and safer for parents to push a stroller
- Users of mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs and scooters can get in and out of the house with more freedom and independence
- You don't have to struggle to carry heavy objects, packages or luggage in and out of the house
What is a wheelchair ramp?
A wheelchair ramp is a sloping surface that can be used instead of or in addition to steps.
This type of accessibility facility can be permanent or temporary. Permanent ramps are bolted or otherwise secured and are usually made of aluminum, concrete, or wood. Temporary or semi-permanent ramps are not bolted but are placed on a concrete pad or ground surface so that you can move them or store them when you no longer need them.
For temporary ramps, it is best to check how easily they fold and store and how much space they take up when folded. A portable ramp, such as the Roll-A-Ramp, is a good choice for a temporary ramp because it folds compactly for easy storage and transportation. It is made of aluminum and is very durable.
Portable ramps are primarily used for indoor and outdoor use and can even help users get in and out of vehicles safely and easily.
Other types of ramps include modular ramps, access ramps, custom ramps, single-fold ramps, rubber threshold ramps, portable suitcase ramps, and telescoping track ramps.
Remember to only buy access ramps that are made by reliable manufacturers, are properly designed, and are ADA compliant. The minimum width and maximum slope of ramps, especially permanent ramps, are often regulated by law in many places.
Benefits of installing a wheelchair ramp at home
Do you need a wheelchair ramp in your home? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that more than half of people with disabilities have "significant limitations" in their mobility.
But whether you have a disability or limited mobility, you can enjoy the following benefits of installing a wheelchair ramp in your home:
1. Greater independence and mobility
Ramps are designed primarily to improve mobility for people with physical disabilities. Ramps make it easier for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, as well as the elderly, to navigate stairs, steps, and uneven surfaces, helping people avoid accidents in these hazardous areas.
Ramps provide people with more independence. People with disabilities and limited mobility can use wheelchair ramps to get around better, rather than relying entirely on caregivers and family members.
This makes a huge difference in the lives of people with physical conditions-besides physical safety, this increased independence is essential for mental and emotional health because they give people a sense of freedom and accomplishment.
2. Improve the aesthetics of your home
Are you worried that accessibility will attract criticism? Don't worry, because there are now accessible ramps available in a variety of materials that can even be used to beautify and improve your living space.
Modular ramps are usually made of steel, aluminum, and wood. Permanent ramps, on the other hand, are usually constructed of concrete. Thanks to the growing range of ramp design and construction options, you can now choose a ramp that matches the overall theme and decor of your home.
Wood-framed ramps can expand and improve the look of patios and outdoor decks. Additionally, modular or portable ramp installations are very practical because they offer the flexibility to move them to other areas of the house (or even lend them to family members or neighbors in need!).
3. Convenience and safety for all
Compared to stairs, ramps are significantly safer and simpler to use. Think about these people:
- People who use any type of mobility aid (such as a wheelchair, scooter, or walker)
- A parent trying to help a child push a stroller
- A person with a temporary foot or leg injury who uses a cane or limps
- An elderly person who has fallen and cannot recover
- A person who has undergone hip/foot/knee surgery and needs to use a knee scooter
- A family member or guest who is carrying a bag in and out of the house that partially obscures their vision and causes them to lose balance
- A person who has a medical condition that causes weakness and dizziness
- A person who is undergoing chemotherapy or other treatment that is physically challenging
- A person who has unstable balance or has symptoms of vertigo
- A child who runs ahead of a parent
- Pregnant women who have trouble balancing (can't risk an accident!)
- Delivery drivers need to make sure large boxes, heavy appliances and furniture reach the recipient safely
- For people who tire easily, such as those who need oxygen or have respiratory problems
- People who find stairs difficult due to frailty, heart problems or other health issues
- Small pets who have trouble climbing high steps
- Dogs with joint problems who need to reduce stress on their joints
- If you're a pet owner with a large pet, using a ramp will be easier for both you and your pet if you have to hold them or put them in a stroller (such as in an emergency or if they're sick)
4. Access to different areas of the home
Some homes have barriers at the entrance, such as high thresholds or one to three steps. People who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers may have difficulty even taking a step. In addition, lifting a foot can cause anyone to lose balance, which can lead to slips and falls.
While there may be family members and caregivers who can help them, this requires relying on others, which is an awkward situation for many people. Installing a wheelchair ramp allows users to maintain their independence and retain a sense of freedom.
Whether the barrier is a single high threshold or multiple steps, there are wheelchair ramps designed specifically for each home design and specific needs. Installing a ramp will help people with mobility and balance issues reach spaces they would not otherwise be able to reach due to these barriers.
5. Allowing people to enjoy the outdoors
With just a simple ramp, you and your family can easily and safely access the outdoors to enjoy the sun, fresh air, and other outdoor activities.
6. Increased safety in inclement weather conditions
Access ramps not only make it easier for people to move around the home, but they also provide additional safety in inclement weather.
As anyone who uses a walker knows, a common challenge during the rainy season is navigating the water that accumulates from heavy rains. It can be very inconvenient to have the wheels of a wheelchair, scooter, or walker stuck in the mud. Likewise, walking through puddles and mud can be dangerous as they can cause slips and falls.
If it rains, a wheelchair ramp can provide a safe alternative to navigating slippery stairs or muddy lawns on wet days.
7. Increases the resale value of your home
An access ramp can directly impact the overall value of a home or property and increase its resale value. The reason is that this feature increases the appeal of the home to potential buyers who are looking for a home that is already equipped with wheelchair access.
A home with a ramp can save some buyers the time and stress of installing a ramp themselves, so they are willing to pay more for it. In some cases, a ramp can enhance the aesthetics of a home, thereby increasing the value of the home.
8. Privacy and dignity in daily activities
Wheelchair ramps installed inside and outside a home can enable people with limited mobility to live and age independently in an environment they prefer.
If you have this assistive solution installed in your home, you can continue to perform certain activities independently, minimizing the need for assistance from others.
You can continue to have the freedom to live the life you choose in the comfort of your own home.
Wheelchair ramps can benefit your business, too!
While this post is about the benefits of installing a wheelchair ramp at home, we'd like to point out that installing access ramps can also be a huge benefit to businesses.
Installing ramps in entrances and staircase areas is one of the easiest ways to make your business more accessible and welcoming (bonus: it can also help create a positive impression of your business!). Safe and accessible entrances ensure easy access for people of varying abilities and needs, such as people with disabilities, parents with strollers, or people carrying bags or luggage
If you're simply renting space and can't install permanent fixtures, modular ramps are a great option as they're easy to install and can be adapted to any size required.
Everyone needs products and services in their daily lives to function properly, so it's always good practice for businesses to make them as accessible as possible. Regardless of people's abilities, they get more out of life when their workplaces and the commercial establishments they visit are accessible and welcoming to them.
Many people – disabled or not – want to patronize businesses that are more inclusive and accountable. According to a UK survey, three quarters of disabled people claim they've left a store or other place because of accessibility issues. If you care enough to make your physical space friendlier for everyone, you'll build a loyal customer base for your business!
When every member does their part to make their space accessible and inclusive for everyone, your community will become more compassionate, respectful, and kind, regardless of whether accessibility standards are mandated by law.
Offering commercial, residential, and portable wheelchair and handicap accessible solutions, Automaster Tools ramps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes including aluminum.