Commercial Handicap Ramps

Most people with mobility issues are unable to climb steps or stairs. People who use crutches, walkers, or other mobility aids may find it difficult to climb stairs. In addition, those who have heart or breathing disabilities often have significant difficulties climbing stairs. People who use wheelchairs generally cannot climb stairs at all. How do these individuals access a business or service located upstairs? Hopefully they have access to commercial handicap ramps.

Why install commercial handicap ramps

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) are federal laws that work in conjunction with other state laws to ensure people with disabilities have access to goods or services and proper housing. The purpose of these laws or any other local laws that advocate for the rights of people with disabilities is to ensure that anyone with special needs can also participate in community life or lead a normal life just like everyone else. Therefore, commercial property owners have a responsibility of ensuring that they provide ramps in strategic locations to enable people with disabilities gain access to any area.

Commercial Handicap Ramps requirements

A handicap ramp is meant to connect two flat surfaces across a vertical distance. Ramps have to be built according to certain specifications to be usable for people with disabilities. Hence, a 1:12 slope ramp is theoretically 12 inches in length for every 1 inch of height. Moreover, the ramps should have handrails to make them more comfortable for users.

According to the ADA guidelines, buildings that were built for occupancy after 1993 should be accessible to people with mobility issues. In other words, those establishments should be reachable by handicap ramps or have entrances that are leveled with the street. The FHA has similar requirements for buildings that were built for occupancy after 1991, whereby entrances of covered tenements should provide easy access to people with mobility disability.

This shows that if it is feasible to install ramps in a commercial building, the owners and operators of that building should do so. After all, it is only prudent to ensure that a business caters to everyone by installing ramps for that commercial building to thrive in business. If transportation service providers provide handicap ramps or lifts to enable their customers enter some of their vehicles, why would a commercial building not install a handicap ramp for its people? Moreover, even local governments provide ramps called curb ramps to enable people with disabilities access certain sidewalks. In other words, every business or housing provider that is not specifically exempt from following ADA guidelines has a general requirement to provide people with disabilities a means of accessing various services in their buildings.

Benefits of wheelchair ramps for commercial settings

People with limited mobility can freely move around using wheelchair ramps. They are cost-effective solutions for people to gain their independence as they navigate around their offices or homes. Delta Accessibility offers a wide variety of commercial wheelchair ramps; some of the most popular are the commercial modular aluminum ramp system, aluminum threshold ramps, rubber threshold ramps, rubber curb ramps, and temporary portable folding ramps.

Navigate doorways with ease

Some door designs can be a huge obstacle to people with disability. Wheelchair users can find it intimidating to navigate high door thresholds. But, with wheelchair ramps, wheelchair users can enter doorways and navigate these obstacles without needing additional support from someone else. This provides wheelchair users an ability to move around easily and drive over obstacles in a building without wasting time or bothering somebody for assistance. The feel of independence increases one’s sense of self-worth.
Enter a building easily

Wheelchair users can find it impossible to climb the stairs on their own. In some situations, caretakers or family members are compelled to carry the wheelchair user to enter a building. Installing a wheelchair ramp will enable the person to be independent and enjoy his or her freedom while moving around. With the help of commercial handicap ramps, the burden will be lifted both from the physically challenged and the person helping.
Access the outdoors

Commercial handicap ramps are so important that if they are present along exit ways, more convenience will be provided for these people. During emergencies, having commercial handicap ramps will lessen the hassle to quickly move people out of the building.

Types of commercial handicap ramps

It is a requirement for commercial establishments, public buildings, and crossroads to install handicap ramps. Fixed wheelchair ramps are a necessity in these places to help physically challenged people move without assistance. Also, there are portable ramps for assisting wheelchair users to enter and exit their vehicles.

Portable wheelchair ramps: These are versatile ramps that are available in different sizes and designs. They are slightly cheaper than permanent ramps, yet ideal for wheelchair users who move around a lot. A caregiver or family member can help in positioning the wheelchair ramp whenever needed. However, in commercial establishments, portable ramps should only be used as temporary or backup means of access.
Modular commercial handicap ramps: This type of ramp is suitable for short-term or permanent use to access commercial buildings. The ramps can be placed anywhere where they are needed. Commercial building owners often opt for permanent ramps when requesting for a custom design suitable for their specific needs. These ramps can also be found in hospitals and medical facilities. Modular ramps can accommodate various configuration options and they have handrails for extra safety. Delta Accessibility offers the aluminum modular ramps (ADA Compliant) for purchase and/or rental.
Threshold commercial handicap ramps: Almost every building has a threshold that can be navigated through by a wheelchair user in order to get into the building. Threshold ramps are smaller versions of the type of ramps used for commercial buildings and they are usually used in residential settings. Threshold ramps help people with disabilities safely navigate doorway thresholds that are higher than ½”. Threshold ramps can be used for doorways elevated up to 6”. For commercial applications, it is not recommended to use threshold ramps for more than a 2”-high threshold. Anything higher than 1-2”, we would recommend a ramp with handrails.
Rubber threshold ramps: These are very convenient ramps that most people use for getting over thresholds or obstacles posed by sliders and doorways. The ramps are not only durable but are also made from recycled tires. As they are made of rubber, these ramps are durable but inexpensive. Installed in minutes, rubber threshold ramps will not corrode as they are rust free and they have large weight capacity.
Pathway ramps: They provide both permanent and temporary solutions to scooters and wheelchairs. The ramps have non-skid surfaces and range in sizes of 2 to 10 feet. Pathway ramps have handrails but are only for areas with fewer steps.

Why go for Delta accessibility for your commercial handicap ramp?

Delta Accessibility is dedicated to providing its clients with exceptional services. We take pride in offering dependable commercial handicap ramp solutions to our clients. We endeavor to provide value that is beyond our customers’ expectations and ensure that the premises of our clients comply with the ADA guidelines.

Regardless of the type of handicap ramp you are looking for, we have you covered. We can even customize one to suit your specific needs. Looking for the ideal commercial handicap ramp for your business? Get in touch with us today! Speak to one of our experts and let them find a solution to your ramp requirements.

**IN STOCK** New and USED RAMPS are available for purchase and rent. Our customers have the option to schedule the delivery and installation of the ramp by our trained service technicians or have the ramp shipped directly to their home or office (reduces cost to the customer). Customers who have the ramp shipped directly to their home or office will only be charged for the product(s) and shipping.

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Delta Accessibility can meet your commercial and residential adaptation needs no matter the size of the project. From small businesses to large corporations, we are big enough to serve and small enough to care.

Commercial Handicap Ramps

Why install commercial handicap ramps