A ramp is an inclined flat accessway between one level and another. Ramps are particularly important for people with mobility issues who are either unable or have difficulty accessing stairs, door lips or kerbs, such as people with physical impairment or people who use a wheelchair.
To increase accessibility of buildings or vehicles where a permanent ramp is not possible or required on a permanent basis, portable ramps can be used. Portable ramps usually:
- are made of aluminum to ensure they are lightweight
- have a carry handle for easy transport
- come in a range of lengths and widths depending on the purpose such as to get up kerbs or single steps or up into the back of a mini van
- can come as two separate track ramps which can be adjustable in length, also known as telescopic, and cater for a range of wheelchair or scooter widths
- fold in varying arrangements such as in half, thirds or quarters or have the capacity to be pulled apart
- ramps that roll up rather than fold for easier storage and transport
- can have traction or non-slip surfaces
- support a range of weights including the combined weight of the mobility device and users body weight
- can be specifically designed for manual or electric wheelchairs, or scooters
- are available in smaller, non folding, styles available for crossing kerbs, small landings or gutters.
A range of modular aluminium ramps are also available that can be installed for semi-permanent or temporary ramp needs into buildings. Due to the modular nature they can be positioned in various layouts to go around existing structures and come with handrails on each side. These types of ramps are not able to be folded and transported.
Doorway or threshold ramps can either be temporarily or permanently installed to improve wheelchair accessibility where there are small lips such as at door entries or between rooms. They can be made from aluminium or rubber, and are generally fixed to the base surface for safety reasons. Specialised cable ramps are also available to cover cables crossing pathways, to ensure clear access and a reduced trip hazard.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Employers have a responsibility to allow reasonable access to the workplace for their employees. The Disability Discrimination Act, Section 23, makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person with disability by not providing access for use of public premises. Recent changes have also been made to access standards as of May 2011 with the aim of improving accessibility of buildings for people with disability. Clear guidelines are now available specifying requirements for ramps to meet the Access Code.
If a ramp is required for temporary access to a building or area of the workplace, or an employee travels for work and requires access in various locations, a portable ramp may be required to overcome accessibility barriers. Portable ramps can also be useful for loading or driving a mobility device into the back of a vehicle where a permanent lift option is not appropriate or not the preferred option.
If a portable ramp is required for workplace access and is not something normally supplied by the employer under their Occupational Safety and Health requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
For further information regarding building modifications and ramp installation please see the links below:
References
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to Premises, Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 2 September 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html.
Commonwealth Consolidated Acts 1992, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Commonwealth Consolidated Acts, Canberra, viewed 2 September 2011, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/dda1992264/.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Wheelchairs: Ramps—Portable, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 2 September 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=43&MinC=75.
Invacare Australia 2011, Portable Ramps Australia, Invacare Australia, online, viewed 2 September 2011, http://www.invacare.com.au/index.cfm/1,124,0,40,html/Portable-Ramps.