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Laura Hall, MSWAssistive Technology Information

CoordinatorMichigan Disability Rights

CoalitionMay 23, 2012

Ramp It Up!

A disability justice movement working to transform communities.

Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program

MDRC’s Web Page: www.mymdrc.org

Contact mdrc@mymdrc.org

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UseStandards and DesignMaintenance/WeatherizationCost and Funding Sources

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Considerations

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Sole user or many users? What type of mobility

device do they use? Might this change?

Navigate independently or with help?

Permanent or temporary structure?

Who is the User?

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Width of mobility device

Height and weight of the user and the person pushing.

Is a landing necessary?

Ground surface/thresholds

Who is the User? (2)

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The Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) dictate how ramps are designed for all public places. These guidelines provide basic guidance for constructing a ramp that is usable, safe and sturdy.

Accessibility Guidelines

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A minimum width of 36 inches.Edge protection to keep anyone

from slipping off.Landings at top and bottom that

are as wide as the ramp and at least 60 inches long.

Basic Standards

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Handrails on both sides of all ramps that rise steeper than 6 inches or have a horizontal projection of more than 72 inches.

Cross slopes of less than 1:50 and surfaces slip-resistant and stable.

Basic Standards, continued

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The minimum standard for the slope of a ramp is 1:12, meaning that for every inch of rise (height) a ramp should extend (run) horizontally 12 inches.

Slope

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Some slopes (even at 1:12) are difficult for people walking, manual wheelchairs, and even some power wheelchairs, and can be dangerous!

ADA guidelines also recommend slopes of 1:16 or 1:20 for a gentler ascent/descent.

Remember the User!

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Ramp changes direction 90 degrees at an intermediate landing

Landing and ramp-way in a straight line

Common Ramp Layouts

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Beware of Switchback Fun Land

180 degree change in direction between one run

of a ramp-way, an intermediate landing and another run of ramp-way

Common Ramp Layouts (2)

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The inside handrail of a switchback or dogleg ramp should always be continuous.

Attention to handrail texture and seams

A Note on Switchbacks and Doglegs

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Not portable Expensive Still requires some

weatherization.

Cons

Great choice for permanent ramps

Holds up to the elements

Less maintenance Can brush on anti-slip

properties before it dries

Pros

Concrete Ramps

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Prone to warping and rotting

Boards must be placed close enough together to prevent uncomfortable bumps or tripping hazards

Unfinished handrails can cause splinters

Extremely slippery when wet

Cons Inexpensive Easily attainable Somewhat

Portable/Reusable Allows for customization

Pros

Wooden Ramps

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Heavy Prone to corrosion

Cons

Strong High weight capacity Open-surface pattern

allows for water and debris to escape

Pros

Galvanized Steel Ramps

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Weight capacity is limited

May not be appropriate for power chairs

Folding units can cause pinching hazards

Cons Portable Relatively lightweight Resistant to rust Can be bought

commercially in pieces or as a single unit

Pros

Aluminum Ramps

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May need to be done as the seasons change or more than once per season

Grit strip or roofing works well for anti-slip properties but may have to be replaced often

Beware of carpeting for anti-slip

Maintenance and Weatherization

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Contact your local building inspection office regarding building permits

Homeowners Associations, Condo Associations, etc. for policies and regulations regarding ramps.

Use caution and diligence when hiring a contractor or buying a pre-fabricated ramp.

Final Thoughts on Construction

Ramp Programs in Michigan: Lansing

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The Capital Area Center for Independent Living in Lansing at times partners with The Lansing Habitat for Humanity to construct ramps at no cost.

Ramp Programs in Michigan: Grand Rapids

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Home Repair Services  offers ramps to residents of Kent County with limited incomes. Both homeowners and renters (in houses or apartments with 4 units or less) are eligible to apply. For more information contact Home Repair Services at (616) 241-2601.

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United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Detroit has the“Quick Ramps for Kids” program to provide portable aluminum ramps to families with children under the age of 18, with Cerebral Palsy or other conditions causing paralysis.

For more information call (248) 557 -5070 or download and fax an application.

Ramp Programs in Michigan: Detroit

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Through Disability Network/Southwest Michigan

Provides ramps to residents in Kalamazoo County to remain safe and independent.

For more information contact Karen Halstead at (269) 345-1516 ext. 315

Ramp Programs in Michigan: Kalamazoo

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Provides basic home repair services and some construction (such as ramps) to help older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes.

Tuesday Toolmen

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Lansing - Greater Lansing Housing Commission (517) 372-5980

Kalamazoo - Senior Services (269) 382-0515

Bay City - United Way of Bay County (989) 893-7508 x 17.

Three Rivers - St. Joseph Co. Commission on Aging 1-800-641-9899

Tuesday Toolmen Locations

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Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Program Provides low interest loans for the purpose of purchasing assistive technology.

Contact Michelle Seybert at 800-828-2714 or visit a local application site.

Funding for Ramps

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Some funding for participants of the MiChoice Waiver program through Area Agencies on Aging

MiChoice Waiver

Potential Funding Sources

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Sororities, fraternities, service clubs

Social Security Work Incentive Programs (PASS, IRWE)

Check out our funding strategy for more options

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Ramps do NOT have to be hidden, inconspicuous!

Pride through landscaping and design

Color, color, color! Lights, decorations,

holidays

Ramps and Disability Pride

Examples

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Ramps for All!

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What Not to Do!

Please Don’t

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Questions/Comments?

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“In America access is always about

architecture and never about human beings.”

– John Hockenberry, Moving Violations

Final Thought