Individuals with mobility disabilities are incapable of climbing stairs and steps. Businesses and organizations of every type must accommodate these individuals with an easily accessible means of entry and exit. Consider how difficult it is for an individual with a walker, wheelchair or crutches to maneuver stairs. Even those who struggle with breathing or heart issues often find it difficult to climb stairs. This is precisely why every business and organization must have ramps for mobility-disabled individuals to travel levels into and out of the building. In fact, the law requires it.
Adhere to the Letter of the Law
Laws like the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) along with state and local laws mandate those with mobility disabilities have access to services, programs, goods, and housing. The point of such laws is to provide disabled individuals with the opportunity to participate in the community. The ADA and other laws ensure such access by forcing facility owners and operators to install ramps for easy entry/exit.
An In-depth Look at Ramp Requirements
A ramp is best defined as a sloped structure that bridges two flat surfaces over a vertical space. Ramps must be constructed according to certain specifications in order for them to be used by individuals with disabilities. As an example, ramp slopes must meet certain specifications. Just about every ramp must have handrails but for the shortest ones. Handrails help those with disabilities traverse the space in a safe and efficient manner.
The ADA mandates that businesses and government facilities built for occupancy following January 26, 1992, and occupied after January 26, 1993, must be accessible to those with mobility disabilities. Such facilities must have easily accessible entrances that are level with the road or can be reached by way of a ramp instead of stairs. Similar standards are required by the FHA for covered multifamily dwellings built for initial occupancy after March 13, 1991.
However, building owners and operators of nearly every type may still be required to have ramps if it is feasible to implement them, regardless of when the building was constructed. The specific language used by the ADA is that ramps are necessary if it is “readily achievable” for the building owner to have them installed.
Lean on ACPLM for Your Wheelchair Ramps Installation
ACPLM is here to install flawless wheelchair ramps for your facility. We have installed wheelchair ramps of varying inclines, styles and sizes for businesses and organizations throughout the area. We know the ins and outs of these specialized ramps. Contact us today and we’ll get right to work on installing a wheelchair ramp that helps mobility-disabled individuals access your facility.