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Ramp It Up!

Ramp It Up!. Laura Hall, MSW Assistive Technology Information Coordinator Michigan Disability Rights Coalition May 23, 2012. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC). A disability justice movement working to transform communities. Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program

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Ramp It Up!

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  1. Ramp It Up! Laura Hall, MSW Assistive Technology Information Coordinator Michigan Disability Rights Coalition May 23, 2012

  2. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) A disability justice movement working to transform communities. Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program MDRC’s Web Page: www.mymdrc.org Contactmdrc@mymdrc.org

  3. Considerations Use Standards and Design Maintenance/Weatherization Cost and Funding Sources

  4. Who is the User? • 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?

  5. Who is the User? (2) • Width of mobility device • Height and weight of the user and the person pushing. • Is a landing necessary? • Ground surface/thresholds

  6. Accessibility Guidelines 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.

  7. Basic Standards 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.

  8. Basic Standards, continued • 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.

  9. Slope 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.

  10. Remember the User! • 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.

  11. Common Ramp Layouts Ramp changes direction 90 degrees at an intermediate landing Landing and ramp-way in a straight line

  12. Common Ramp Layouts (2) 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

  13. A Note on Switchbacks and Doglegs The inside handrail of a switchback or dogleg ramp should always be continuous. Attention to handrail texture and seams

  14. Concrete Ramps Not portable Expensive Still requires some weatherization. Cons Pros • Great choice for permanent ramps • Holds up to the elements • Less maintenance • Can brush on anti-slip properties before it dries

  15. Wooden Ramps 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 Pros • Inexpensive • Easily attainable • Somewhat Portable/Reusable • Allows for customization

  16. Galvanized Steel Ramps Heavy Prone to corrosion Cons Pros • Strong • High weight capacity • Open-surface pattern allows for water and debris to escape

  17. Aluminum Ramps Weight capacity is limited May not be appropriate for power chairs Folding units can cause pinching hazards Cons Pros • Portable • Relatively lightweight • Resistant to rust • Can be bought commercially in pieces or as a single unit

  18. Maintenance and Weatherization 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

  19. Final Thoughts on Construction 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.

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

  21. Ramp Programs in Michigan: Grand Rapids Home Repair Servicesoffers 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.

  22. Ramp Programs in Michigan: Detroit 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.

  23. Ramp Programs in Michigan: Kalamazoo • 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

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

  25. Tuesday Toolmen Locations 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

  26. Funding for Ramps • 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.

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

  28. Potential Funding Sources • Sororities, fraternities, service clubs • Social Security Work Incentive Programs (PASS, IRWE) • Check out our funding strategy for more options

  29. Ramps and Disability Pride • Ramps do NOT have to be hidden, inconspicuous! • Pride through landscaping and design • Color, color, color! • Lights, decorations, holidays

  30. Examples

  31. Ramps for All!

  32. What Not to Do!

  33. Please Don’t

  34. Questions/Comments?

  35. Final Thought “In America access is always about architecture and never about human beings.” – John Hockenberry, Moving Violations

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