Where are some stores that sell ramps? My grandmother is in a wheelchair and she needs a ramp.?

smokehillfarm

Generally a ramp has to be built by a contractor (or even a local handyman) since each entrance door is different, and rails must be included also. I've never heard of pre-built ramps, and I've built many of those ramps myself when I was a contractor, from the very small to one that was nearly the size of a deck.

Just be sure that whomever builds it is EXPERIENCED in wheelchair ramps and truly understands the requirements. Ask for references, and TALK TO THOSE PEOPLE. I cannot emphasize this enough.

Even the local climate affects how a ramp will work. If you get a reasonable amount of rain, or especially ice or snow, it should be at a lower angle than others, and you MUST have some sort of traction device on those ramps, even little wooden cleats, or a shingle-like material, so the wheelchair won't slip back while going uphill, or slide down dangerously. You also need little guide rails on the whole thing to keep the wheels from going off the edge. It may not seem necessary, but it truly is. The exact angle of the ramp is absolutely critical.

Rails have to conform with the building code, but also should be helpful to the wheelchair user -- sometimes a second rail down lower is a good answer, and doesn't add much to the cost if designed properly.

Also, there needs to be plenty of "turn around" room at the top, near the door, for both the wheelchair, a second person helping them, and perhaps packages or groceries they are carrying. It doesn't cost much to build something a foot or so bigger near the door, and is usually worth it.

Usually, when I built a ramp, I did just the bare ramp first and had the handicapped individual go up and down it a few times, even with the hose running on the ramp (to simulate rain), while two of us walked alongside as "spotters," before the rails or other stuff went on. It's easier to fix little problems in design early, and unless the person can really use it, it's worthless. Each person in a wheelchair is different, some much weaker, some stronger, some less or more coordinated. It must work for YOUR customer, and it's your job to ensure that. This takes time, and close coordination with the user, and only an experienced builder will know how to factor this into the job. Some guy who just does this by the hour can stretch it out forever re-doing things that he should have worked into the plan early on. Wheelchair ramps are not a job for amateurs

There are a number of factors to consider that are not immediately obvious to the average carpenter or contractor. My advice is to contact a local handicapped group (they have different names), to get suggestions, and perhaps names of contractors they've used. After I did my first few ramps, most of my business came from referrals from that group since they liked my work.

JAMES P

Medical Supplies Store. Or if you know someone handy with wood, they could build her one out of 2x10's or 2x12's and the length would have to be measured to find out how long the planks would have to be. They should also be for exterior use. Treated so they will last a long time. Probably cheaper to build than buy. Good luck.

sh752

A local contractor/carpenter should be able to build a ramp that meets ADA specifications. If you are looking for something less permanent, or portable, you can visit websites like the one below.
http://www.planetmobility.com/store/ramps/index.htm?OVRAW=handicap%20ramps&OVKEY=handicap%20ramp&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=44322590511&OVKWID=297586721011

Catfish_Woman154

Home Depot or Lowes

You can contact a wheel chair distributor in your area and they can probably give you a list of folks who make or sell wheel chair ramps.

dirtytricksracing@sbcglobal.net

If your talking about to her house a local contractor if you want to buy a ramp search wheel chair ramps. If she is using a manual it needs to be long so as not to be to steep.

UCANTCME

Any handicap mobility store will be able to help you.......

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