Why Ramps for Wheelchairs Make Life Easier

Families with children who have disabilities or other special needs know what an undertaking planning a family outing can be. Packing up the car, bringing along necessary supplies like a change of briefs and medicine, simply getting on the road can be a challenge in itself. But what happens when you finally get to your destination and the wheelchair accessibility is almost nonexistent?

Lack of wheelchair ramps and handicap accessible doors not only puts a damper on your outing, but it sends a clear message to your child that accessibility and inclusion aren’t important.

Why Wheelchair Ramps are Important

Ramps for wheelchairs are important for a variety of reasons. Whether at home, at an office, or anywhere in between, they can substantially increase the quality of life for someone with a disability. It is easy to overlook this fact if someone regularly travels without a wheelchair, but even just a couple of steps with no ramp or elevator in sight can make a simple trip for someone in a wheelchair a real ordeal.

The Confidence Factor

When wheelchair ramps are present, however, it can make navigating from A to B much easier for someone in a wheelchair. It also helps boost the confidence and independence of someone who regularly uses a wheelchair. This means everyone, everywhere can get where they need to go without having to stress and worry about whether they can enter or exit a building in a safe and timely way.

The Virtues of Visibility

Just as places of religious worship make us aware of other faiths, and sporting stadiums make us aware of local teams, so too do ramps for wheelchairs provide a clear and visible signal of inclusivity to the many people in a local community who have special needs and may require some extra assistance from time to time.

Put simply, the presence of a wheelchair ramp conveys a message of acceptance to all visitors.
This is a simple but important thing, as everyone among a local community needs help in some way or another now and then, and having this vital infrastructure present is actually a really good way to ensure that remains in mind from one person to the next.

How to Setup a Wheelchair Ramp at Home?

Setting up a wheelchair ramp at home can be an easy task overall, but does require some planning beforehand. Depending on whether someone owns or rents their residence, they may need to check with their landlord or local government for the rules and regulations surrounding construction and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.

A number of different materials can also be considered for construction, depending on whether the ramp shall be used permanently or in the short term. A concrete ramp is durable but can be far harder to deconstruct once created. A wood or metal ramp, by contrast, is easy to construct, but can require more ongoing maintenance and care long term, especially if constructed outdoors. There are also wheelchair ramps you can find online that are lightweight and portable and can be taken from place to place for use as necessary.

Final thoughts

It’s important to remember too that wheelchair ramps can have multiple purposes. For people with knee and back problems and those who use walkers or crutches, it can be more comfortable to navigate than the stairs. Not to mention their use in an emergency situation for someone with a mobile bed.

Further, beyond their uses and benefits to individuals who need them, seeing ramps for wheelchairs is also an important message that builds confidence in those who use them, and sends a message of awareness and inclusion among the wider community.