For peoplewho use awheelchair or scooter, gaining access to their ownhome, a public building,wheelchair accessible car or friends / relatives home canbe a major obstacle to amore independent life. A portable ramp is oftena good solution. NottinghamRehab Supplies offer a
Folding Ramps
This describes ramps that can be folded in half and carried, suitcase style.
Benefits: Carried easily by carers
Lightweight Some can be fixed to provide a permanent ramp (this should not be used permanently on the only access to the house if it blocks safe access for ambulant users such as the postman)
Are suitable formanual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs / scooters
Have slip resistant surfaces for good grip even in wet weather
Half Steps Half steps are placed up to a high step indoors or outdoors to reduce the height for a person to step up.
Benefits: Ideal for people who find it difficult to lift their leg up or down a high step
Portable – can be taken to other peoples houses where access may be a problem
Slip resistant surface to prevent falls Considerations:
Consider using a step in conjunction with grab rails on the wall to improve safety (see page 167)
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Telescopic Channel Ramps
These ramps consist of two sections – one channel for each side of the wheelchair.
Benefits: Adjustable length to suit different heights of steps and varied use
Easy to store in the car or house Telescopic –making themvery portable Good for use into a wheelchair accessible car
Have high sides to prevent wheelchair falling off the side
Considerations: The two sections need to be placed at the right width for the wheelchair which can be more difficult for older or disabled carers.
Roll Up Ramps
The ramps are generally smaller is size and simply roll out to be placed at the step.
Benefits: Ideal for smaller spaces and steps Useful when storage space is limited Very portable – come in their own storage bag
comprehensive range of portable ramps whichcanhelp to improve and enable safe and easy access for bothwheelchair users and their carers. The following informationis provided to aid you inyour choice andhelp you purchase the right solutionfor yourneeds.
Threshold Ramps
These ramps can be used both indoors and outdoors to enable a wheelchair to go over a threshold of a door.
Benefits: Can go over the thresholds of UPVC sliding and hinged doors such as front doors, porch ways and patio doors
Smaller ramps can be useful to go over internal thresholds between doorways both up and downstairs
Some are used on one side of the door only to provide a lead up to a threshold for the wheelchair
Can prevent the need for an additional transfer indoors
Length of Ramp Required The most important measurement for a portable ramp is the height of the step / steps you are overcoming and the distance you have in front of the steps to place a ramp. It is recommended that the maximum gradient of a portable ramp for a self propelled wheelchair is 1:12. For a person who is assisted in the wheelchair this gradient can be increased (to a maximum of 1:6). However it is always advisable to buy the longest ramp you can fit in the space you have as this will make it easier for both wheelchair user and their carer (by having a gentler slope).