Marking the Americans With Disabilities Act’s 20th anniversary: Wheelchair ramps another facet of everyday America

Wheelchair ramps, under the influence of the Americans With Disabilities Act, have become such a part of the national culture that it’s hard to recall how closed much of America was before the law was enacted on July 26, 1990.

The law requires that virtually all public spaces be accessible to those who use wheelchairs. It also mandates that most public events be heard by those with impaired hearing through the use of assistive-listening devices or sign-language interpreters. And it has opened classrooms to children previously thought unable to participate in traditional schooling.

Probably nowhere is the ADA’s influence more noticeable than in transportation systems. Buses and trains are outfitted so that people who use wheelchairs can be accommodated.

It’s impossible to overestimate the significance of the law’s impact on the daily lives of people with impaired mobility. To be shut off from movies and theater, deprived of access to town hall and the library, excluded from sporting venues – this is a life half-lived – or not at all. But it remains the norm in most countries of the world, where the needs of people with disabilities are neither understood nor responded to.

Consider the possibilities open to a person in a wheelchair. Most jobs that can be reached by public transportation are now within reach, though transit systems still tolerate unacceptable breakdowns on escalators and elevators, which are lifelines. Because ADA regulations prevail across the country, a trip can be planned with the expectation that accessibility is guaranteed at the destination.

Historic sites now have ramps and hearing devices. In some areas, scenic paths and even the beach can be reached by specially designed ramps and pathways that accommodate wheelchairs.

Ramps are so common that we often fail to notice them, but they presented a challenge when the law was first passed. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for providing access to buildings that were constructed long before the Americans with Disabilities Act could have been foreseen.

Many municipalities have taken special care to erect ramps at town hall or school buildings that are in keeping with existing styles. And progress providing access to public buildings has led to more options to make private homes accessible.

Wheelchair ramps can be rented or purchased and custom designed to overcome challenges like hills and porches without major structural changes to the existing home of building. As a result, those who use wheelchairs have a wide range of living choices; they do not have to be in an elevator-equipped building if that does not suit them.

The advent of the ADA was met with understandable consternation by those who would have to alter their places of business to comply with the law. Many believed it went too far. But two decades of experience have shown that the benefits far outweigh any cost or inconvenience.

NASCAR Hall of Fame ramps up small Carolina business

Charlotte’s newest attraction, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, opened in May 2010 with all the fanfare the racing mecca could muster.

But to one avid fan and oft volunteer, the landmark meant more than fun times at the track.

Amramp’s Rick Griffiths joins numerous local contractors in appreciation of the NASCAR Hall of Fame injecting vitality into a city hard hit by the financial crisis. While demand for wheelchair ramps often rides out economic fluctuations, Griffiths sees the impact on the Carolinas every day.

“It’s exciting for Charlotte and for NASCAR to display its history. And it’s a big plus for Charlotte, something to do/see even when there’s not a race,” Griffiths said.

With public financing, the city of Charlotte, N.C., expects the $200 million hall of fame to generate $60 million annually. In its first seven days of opening, the NASCAR Hall of Fame hosted 10,000 visitors.

Being part of the project – Amramp installed five permanent ramps inside, mostly “behind the scenes” – is almost as good as driving the track, where “it’s a big rush of exhilaration to be in a car that’s shaking, averaging 142 mph,” Griffiths says.

Although hall of fame visitors may never see the Amramp modular wheelchair ramps inside, the NASCAR influence is not lost on Griffiths.

“The NASCAR affiliation brings attention from a nationally recognized brand, one of the largest sports markets.” The Amramp owner cited Pepsi’s AMP sponsorship with Dale Earnhardt Jr.: According to CNBC in 2008 “sales of AMP Energy drink grew 127.5 percent in top NASCAR markets. And growth almost hit 100 percent in the grocery channel alone.”


See “where the race lives on” at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  For more information on how Amramp’s modular ramp systems can overcome public facilities’ challenges, call 888-715-7598 or visit www.amramp.com.

Helping Hands Build Wheelchair Ramps in Huntington, Indiana

Amramp Partners with Helping Hands

On the morning of June 19^th, Helping Hands, a partnering volunteer install group through the First Church of the Nazarene in Huntington completed a wheelchair ramp for Pathfinder Amramp. Ryan Burns, Edward Doake, Donald Garde, and Philip Graves from Helping Hands volunteered their time to install the wheelchair ramp at the Roush household in Huntington.

Thanks to the wheelchair ramp designed by our Amramp Experts, and installed by Helping Hands, 3 year old Robert Martin, who suffers from the most severe form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is able to leave his home in a reclining wheelchair. His mother, Debra Roush can now safely assist Robert down the wheelchair ramp instead of having to navigate steps in their home. Pathfinder Amramp has changed their lives and gives them the opportunity to do something many of us do without thinking, leaving home safely and conveniently.

“Helping Hands has been great to work with! Through the assistance of Helping Hands we were able to provide a wheelchair ramp to the Roush family of Huntington,” stated Kay Smith, Operations and Sales Coordinator for Pathfinder Services. “Through the community partnership of the donation of time and manpower from Helping Hands and the generous donation of funds from the Pathfinder Foundation, the Roush family was able to have their wheelchair ramp moved from their previous residence to their current home,” Smith concluded.  “This would not have been an option with a wooden wheelchair ramp.  Accessibility is critical for this family and the modular wheelchair ramp system that we offer with Amramp proved to be a valuable use of resources,” Smith replied.  A year ago, the wheelchair ramp was installed at a previous address and with great ease it was able to be reconfigured and reinstalled in a matter of hours for the family.”

Amramp allows for families and businesses to rent or buy ADA compliant low cost, modular wheelchair ramps with a special grip ramp surface. The wheelchair ramps are made of durable, non-skid mesh steel. The wheelchair ramp grips tires and is safer than wood, the grated surface allows the weather to pass through.  Pathfinder’s Social Mission Closet allows for wheelchair ramps to be provided for free through community donations and a generous donation from the Pathfinder Foundation.

Amramp offers free home evaluations and meets with each client to custom design a wheelchair ramp. All of the wheelchair ramps are installed by trained Amramp specialists. Wheelchair Ramps are available in days not weeks or months and most installations take less than a day.

Amramp is the newest division of Pathfinder Services, Inc. specializing in portable wheelchair ramp systems providing solutions for clients in North Eastern Indiana.  To make a donation to our much needed community social mission wheelchair ramp closet or for more information on Amramp please call Loretta Mottram at (888) 715-7598 or e-mail her at Loretta.mottram@amramp.com.

For more information about Pathfinder Services, Inc. please visit www.pathfinderservices.org.  Pathfinder Services, Inc. is a comprehensive human and community development not-for-profit human services organization based in Huntington, where it was founded in 1966. In addition to Huntington County, Pathfinder Services also provides services in Adams, Allen, Dekalb, Grant, LaGrange, Marshall, Noble, Starke, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley Counties.

Amramp, offers a fast, easy and safe wheelchair ramp solution to improve people's lives.  Amramp is a national organization with local, factory-trained professionals and with local inventory throughout the country. To learn more about Amramp's modular steel wheelchair ramp system, please fill out the form to the left or call us toll-free at 888-715-7598

Wheelchair Ramp Rental used at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Joint Veteran's Commission in Cleveland, Ohio recently held a Flag Day event in June, 2010. The event was being held to celebrate the service that veterans and active military provide to our country.

The event was held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. The front area of the property had a space that would be used as the stage. However, the stage was not wheelchair accessible. A serious question came up, how would veterans attending the event, who needed access to the stage get there? 

John Wright, from Amramp Cleveland had the answer. John Wright, a veteran himself realized that a rental ramp from Amramp would be the perfect solution. John is in the wheelchair ramp business and has offered many wheelchair ramps for rent in the past. In this case, John donated the time and equipment to get this rental ramp in place.

Thanks to the help of John Wright and the other organizers of this event, things were able to move ahead as planned and the Flag Day ceremonies proceeded.

John's team, skilled at their profession, was able to have the rental wheelchair ramp completely in place by 10AM on the morning of the event. After the festivities, the ramp was taken down and removed just as quickly, by 3PM that day. Amramp's modular wheelchair ramp system is the perfect solution for a 1-day special event wheelchair ramp rental. This same equipment can also be rented longer term for those recovering from a disability or even purchased by those who need a wheelchair ramp permanently.

Amramp, offers a fast, easy and safe wheelchair ramp solution to improve people's lives.  Amramp is a national organization with local, factory-trained professionals and with local inventory throughout the country. To learn more about Amramp's modular steel wheelchair ramp system, please fill out the form to the left or call us toll-free at 888-715-7598

 

Wheelchair Ramp Rentals Keep Family Vacation Traditions on Track

With families spread far and wide across the country, summer is the time when get-togethers are easier. That means grandparents, of course. But they and other family members who use a wheelchair or walker have special needs.

Many families worry about whether including someone who uses a wheelchair in the plans is possible because of accessibility questions. A wheelchair  ramp is the ideal solution but few families have one at their home, and vacation rentals typically are not very accessible.

Perhaps you’ve picked out a perfect spot to relax for a week, a house or cottage or villa with a bedroom on the first floor. But getting in and out of the house is making you think twice about whether it’s realistic to invite someone who uses a wheelchair. That’s where renting a wheelchair ramp comes in.

It’s not difficult and it’s affordable to have a modular wheelchair ramp installed at your home for visitors who use wheelchairs. Or you can rent one and have it properly installed in time for your week at the summer cottage on a lake or at the beach. Amramp’s modular wheelchair ramps can adapt to most surroundings with no damage or permanent alteration to the rental property.

Many families have memories of summers long ago at a vacation cottage and would like to gather generations of the family to relive the experience. They shy away, though, if the place is rustic and hard to access for those who use a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

A temporary wheelchair ramp solves this problem. And if the vacation rental doesn’t have an updated bathtub or shower, a temporary shower that hooks up to the kitchen sink for a water source is the answer.

Amramp rents and sells sturdy wheelchair ramps that can be installed by our professionals within a day. Unlike smaller, lightweight ramps, Amramps are adaptable for use in settings such as sandy, beachfront property or uneven terrain by a lake cottage. And there’s no permanent damage to the rental home.

Renting a wheelchair ramp for the vacation is an alternative to searching for a hotel that’s accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Many vacation areas are less likely to have large hotels with full amenities designed for those who use wheelchairs or walkers. And they can be distant from the shoreline.

Amramp, offers a fast, easy and safe wheelchair ramp solution to improve people's lives.  Amramp is a national organization with local, factory-trained professionals and with local inventory throughout the country. To learn more about Amramp's modular steel wheelchair ramp system, please fill out the form to the left or call us toll-free at 888-715-7598

Wheelchair Ramps Help with Rehabilitation in Long Beach, CA

(Long Beach, CA)--- A 23 foot steel wheelchair ramp helps rehabilitation therapy staff at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. The staff at the rehabilitation therapies department assist patients regaining their mobility.  An Amramp wheelchair ramp system was donated by a local company, AmRamp Los Angeles from Torrance.  The wheelchair ramp system will enable patients to practice walking up and down wheelchair ramps to regain their mobility.     

This wheelchair ramp system is comprised of 18 feet of sloped ramping.  The wheelchair ramp system is designed to simulate a ramp going up 18 inches of rise or (height) which is equivalent to the properties of a common California house with three steps.  The actual wheelchair ramp climbs at one inch of height for every foot of length.  That provides the user with a gentle slope ratio recommended by the guidelines written in the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The top of the wheelchair ramp has a five foot square landing platform which will enable the user to turn around safely and then descend using the 18 foot wheelchair ramp.  The entire wheelchair ramp and platform has dual hand rails on all sides.

Brett McKee, of Amramp – Los Angeles became aware of the need for support at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center when attending a presentation of their unique Spinal Cord Injury Program.  McKee said, “We are pleased to help the Rehabilitation Department staff to assist their patients in regaining their walking skills.”

This training program concentrates walking practice of the patient on a treadmill.  Roger Kim, Team Leader of the Spinal Cord Injury Program and Rehabilitation Therapies said, “This wheelchair ramp system will allow our patients to practice their walking on a safe and realistic environment.”  The wheelchair ramp system will be used for both in patient and out patient rehabilitation therapies.  Spinal Cord Injury Program participants will be able to progress with their mobility skills using the wheelchair ramp. 

Amramp is the leading company in the United States specializing in modular steel wheelchair ramps, offering ramps for disability access that enable the aging and disabled populations to remain in their homes.  Wheelchair ramps can be installed temporarily for short or long term needs without damaging the housing structure as they are not a permanent modification to the home.  Amramp’ products comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are available for sale or rental with no minimum time frame and no wheelchair ramp size restrictions. 

Amramp – Los Angeles has been providing accessibility ramps in the greater Los Angeles area since May, 2007 and has six employees.  Services are also provided now in Northern California. 

Amramp Rescues Kansas Couple after Wheelchair Ramp Theft

Chad Ward of Amramp in Kansas City knows the wheelchair ramps he rents and sells are a huge help for people who use wheelchairs and Kansans with other mobility concerns.

But the wheelchair ramp’s significance was highlighted in dramatic fashion in early April when Chad was able to rescue a couple trapped in their Independence, Missouri, home after their wheelchair ramp was stolen. A rehabilitation facility that contracts with Chad called to ask his help when they learned that Judy and Darl Jackson, both of whom need help to get around, were trapped in their home with no wheelchair ramp to get them to the street. Judy was injured in a February car accident, and Darl uses a scooter.

Chad sprung to the rescue with Amramp’s modular steel wheelchair ramp, which is far more solid and safer than the one the Jacksons had previously.

“Their lifeline had been cut,” said Chad, whose three years’ experience with clients who use wheelchairs, canes, or walkers gave him quick insight into the Jacksons’ plight. With no wheelchair ramp, the Jacksons were at great risk in case of fire or other emergency.

Initially, Chad was asked to loan a wheelchair ramp but, as he said, the situation “snowballed” once word of the Jacksons’ situation spread. Watch the news reports on each of the major local newscasts:

FoxKC4 “Couple Left Stranded in Home by Thieves Gets Help From the Community”

Kansas City’s ABC affiliate “Theft Victims Get Replacement Ramp”

Neighbors and strangers came forward with donations; in the end the Amramp wheelchair ramp was installed permanently at their Independence, Kansas, home.

“They got a big upgrade,” Chad explained, since their new wheelchair ramp is made of steel and weighs 600 pounds. It won’t be stolen anytime soon, like the lightweight aluminum wheelchair ramp was. The new wheelchair ramp also has railings, which are standard on Amramp’s modular wheelchair ramp systems and which the smaller wheelchair ramp did not have.

Amramp, offers a fast, easy and safe wheelchair ramp solution to improve people's lives.  Amramp is a national organization with local, factory-trained professionals and with local inventory throughout the country. To learn more about Amramp's modular steel wheelchair ramp system, please fill out the form to the left or call us toll-free at 888-715-7598

Myra Canipe Praises Amramp and Her New Wheelchair Ramp

 

"I got teary the day my Amramp, wheelchair ramp system came: It was such a relief to never have to worry about leaving the house and worry about how to get back in," says Myra Canipe of Camden, South Carolina.

From the time Ms. Canipe, 60, tore her Achilles tendon just walking around at home one day, she became a prisoner: "I couldn't go anywhere; I could hop down the stairs but not up."

Two weeks of panicking, plus paying out-of-pocket for EMTs to get her back inside, and she'd had enough, even though she'd only be temporarily using a wheelchair.

Ms. Canipe called Marc Gardner at Amramp in Columbia, South Carolina, on a Thursday and had her very own ramp installed on Monday.

"I only needed it for two months, but I couldn't be trapped inside. I figured if I had to pay for another EMT trip, the ramp would have paid for itself. But now it's not just getting to doctors appointments, I can actually go out to supper. It's fantastic!"

Marc Gardner designed Ms. Canipe's temporary wheelchair ramp with a gentle slope so she can maneuver in and out of her home without assistance from anyone. "I can just zip up and down, no problem," she said.

"Amramp is costing me half the price of having a wooden ramp built; and the best part is they take it away. Soon I won't be needing it, and I'll be better than ever."

It isn't just Amramp's design and patented steel platform that impresses her.

"I'm picky, and I believe in respect. Marc Gardner and his installer could not have been more professional or efficient. Marc understood I wanted the ramp quickly. The installer had me check everything to be sure I was happy with it."

Marc Gardner knows that Amramp's wheelchair ramp installation means the world to Ms. Canipe; to him it's "just how we do business: respectful and courteous, make it as affordable and convenient as possible."

Marc adds, "stories like this one from Ms. Canipe, who felt like a prisoner in her home, remind me why I chose our line of work."

"I'm tickled," she says. "I really like the people working for Amramp, good product, too."

Ms. Canipe would like everyone - her home health company, her doctors, her sister  - to know about her Amramp experience. Here's an excerpt of her email to Marc Gardner:

"I no longer feel like a prisoner in my house. Marc, you did an excellent job of listening very carefully and designing a ramp that totally fit my needs that slopes gently so I can navigate it on my own.  You were professional and efficient.  You gave me all the information I needed to make my decision.  And you were friendly; I felt comfortable dealing with you right from the start."

Here at Amramp, we often come across stories like Ms. Canipe's. We understand that our clients can be in a difficult situation, and we are happy to be able to offer them a fast, easy, and safe solution.  Amramp is a national organization with local, factory-trained professionals and with local inventory located throughout the country. If you would like to find out more about Amramp's modular wheelchair ramp system, please fill out the form to the left or call us toll-free at 888-715-7598.

 

 

“The Ups and Downs of Ramps”: The National Home Builders Association Magazine

I have just had the good fortune to have an article published that I co-authored with an Occupational Therapist.  This article titled "The Ups and Downs of Ramps", is now appearing in a national magazine for The National Home Builders Association.  I want to thank Amramp for allowing use of some materials used in the article!
The publications focus is on "Aging In Place" where accessible homes are of growing interest.  The association (NAHB) also leads the industry in providing national certification training programs; I was among some of the first in the country to have earned my Certified Aging In Place Specialist recognition.

Check it out:
http://www.nahbmonday.com/capsco/issues/2008-12-18/7.html

Boston Red Sox Provides Ramp Access

This year Amramp provided hundreds of feet of wheelchair ramps to Fenway Park. Hopefully, any visitors using our ramps will be lucky enough to see the Red Sox win a game!