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A properly constructed ramp is essential for anyone in a wheelchair to use a building. A ramp can replace stairs or be part of an accessible route to a building's entrance. An accessible route is the shortest possible path from a handicapped parking space to an accessible entrance. There should be at least one accessible route from a public street, sidewalk or parking space, to an accessible entrance as well as routes from adjacent buildings.
Ramps are required any time there is an elevation in the grade of the land that wheelchairs must maneuver. The maximum slope of any ramp is 1:12. This ratio means that for every inch of height in grade change, 12 inches of ramp length is required (Figure 3). The ramp length (or run) should not exceed 30 feet without landings, nor should the ramp rise more than 30 inches. The minimum width of a ramp is 36 inches. Because of inclement weather (snow, ice, wind, etc.) , some states have developed a second standard for exterior ramps and walkways. One to 12 remains the standard for interior ramps, and 1:20 is the ratio for exterior ramps.
Landings are required at both the top and bottom of a ramp and should be at least as wide as the ramp (36 inches). Landings should have at least 60 inches of clear space at both the top and bottom.
If a ramp longer than 6 feet will also be used by ambulatory people, a handrail is needed on both sides of the ramp. The handrails should extend 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp and should have a clear space of 1 1/2 inches between the handrail and the wall. There should be 30 to 34 inches from the floor of the ramp to the top of the handrail. Children require a lower handrail.
The two most common materials for ramp construction are wood and concrete. Wood is easier and faster to construct, relatively inexpensive, and can last for years.
Figure – 3 Average Dimensions of a Ramp
All ramps and landings need a nonskid surface and should be designed so water will not accumulate. The surface of concrete ramps must be textured. Two ways to make wooden ramps nonskid are pebble-grained paper or sand mixed with paint. In Colorado, keep snow-melt materials handy to use on ramps and landings during inclement weather.
Every ramp must be custom built to conform to the specific site. Chapter 3 of How To Create Interiors for the Disabled provides detailed directions on ramp building.
A clearance of 18 inches on the latch side of the door allows for an easier and safer opening. A shelf, attached to the exterior or interior wall of the structure and adjacent to the door, permits a wheelchair user to put packages down while unlocking and opening the door.
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