Wheelchairs have restored freedom of movement to millions of individuals. Regardless of their reason for disability, wheelchair users can choose from an incredible array of wheelchair styles and models. They are even able to compete in sports and undertake lifestyle activities that would have been unthinkable a few decades ago.
Yet, there are still some relatively simple tasks that continue to prove difficult for wheelchair users. Anytime there is a change in elevation, wheelchair users face a challenge. These barriers are often easy to overcome through the use of a wheel chair lift ramp.
To provide motivation for businesses to remove barriers, the United States passed the Americans with Disabilities Act. This legislation, which went into effect in 1991, was intended to help eliminate any discrimination on the basis of disability. Shortly after the Act became law, the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) were published. These guidelines focused specifically on architectural barriers and provided guidance and standards for the equipment that could be used to overcome these barriers. The ADAAG have recently been updated to include new technologies that have been developed since they were written in 1992.
Wheel chair lift ramps are not required in all situations. For existing buildings, the ADA allows exceptions when providing access is not readily achievable or represents an undue financial burden on the building owner.
When you're shopping for a wheel chair lift ramp, some dealers may state that their products are ADA-approved. This is not possible, because the ADA actually doesn't approve anything. What is probably meant is that the wheel chair lift ramp is compliant with ADA guidelines. In order to obtain a legal ruling under the ADA, an individual must file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney General.
It is possible, however, for manufacturers to have their wheel chair lift ramp tested by an independent testing laboratory. The laboratory (like UL or ETL) will test the equipment and issue a seal of certification if it complies with the standards. Independent testing of equipment can be quite expensive for the manufacturer, but the certification by a lab often leads to greater credibility and quicker acceptance by the customer.
The National Wheel-O-Vator company is a U.S. accessibility products manufacturer. One of their wheel chair lift ramp models is the Pegasus, which is designed as an inclined platform lift. The Pegasus wheel chair lift ramp can be installed in a wide range of situations, including straight or curved, indoor or outdoor stairways. It comes with a larger than standard platform to accommodate almost any wheelchair model.
Many business owners are concerned that installation of a wheel chair lift ramp will interfere with regular foot traffic to their business. Most wheel chair lift ramps can be folded up against the wall when not in use. In the the folded position, lifts protrude only about 12 inches into the floor area
The primary goal of the ADA is to improve accessibility for all. A wheel chair lift ramp is an excellent option because it provides a way for wheel chair users to enter and exit a building unassisted.
A wheel chair lift ramp is an effective, low-cost option to bring your building into ADA compliance