Many countries have been doing everything possible to protect the rights of people with some form of disability or empower them. First and foremost, it’s best to interact with people with disabilities by seeing them the way they see themselves. If a person requests assistance, help without much fuss or undermining.
We must become friends with people with disabilities and help them fight discrimination. One landmark piece of legislation that has empowered many is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For instance, many businesses ought to be compliant with ADA ramp slope requirements and protect people with disabilities.
This article will explore how businesses should ensure their property is ADA-compliant and how such investment benefits everyone. Continue reading to learn more.
Overview of ADA Ramp Requirements- Be on the Know
The ADA focuses on providing matchless protection against discrimination for people with disabilities. It allows disabled people to access services, goods, and treatment everyone gets. That’s why businesses and those in the public sector should know about the ADA ramp requirements or laws.
An ADA ramp is a crucial provision for millions of businesses and public institutions. Not having the right ADA ramp installed could lead to serious legal actions. The good thing is that there are notable things to know and stay compliant with set ADA laws.
The requirements for ADA ramp installation are clear and straightforward. There are specific figures laid down for businesses and institutions to abide by. These requirements are integral and followed by the National Council on Disability to ensure smooth, safe, and fair access to public spaces by people with disabilities.
Surprisingly, you’ll still fall short of the ADA even if you have a wheelchair ramp on your premises but it doesn’t meet its requirements. The wheelchair’s size and shape should fit all ADA ramps. Therefore, you must ensure you get the specifications right.
So, what do the ADA ramp requirements specify?
- The ADA ramp must have a 1:12 slope ratio, meaning there should be a one-inch rise for every corresponding 12 inches of the ramp. The slope makes it easy to calculate the height of the ramp and its length.
- Your ramp shouldn’t be longer than 30 feet without a resting platform to reduce fatigue.
- You must ensure all the edges are well-protected to reduce the risk of falling off.
- Ensure the ramps have both top and bottom landings at least 60 inches long.
- Your ramp must have handrails on both sides for maximum protection.
- You must ensure the surface of the handrail doesn’t have any gaps, and it’s continuous.
- Ensure no sharp, abrasive, or rough elements are on the handrail.
- Keep 11.5 inches of space between your handrail and the wall you attach it to.
- Position the handrail between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp’s floor surface.
Summing Up
The ADA ramp requirements are crucial and put in place to keep people with disabilities safe and happy. Ramps help prevent people from falling out of wheelchairs, canes, or scooters. Accessibility is a crucial facet to keep in mind when installing ADA ramps. Restricting people with disabilities from public places is a form of discrimination and should be condemned daily. All businesses and public institutions should install ADA-compliant ramps on their premises and meet all the ramp design standards and requirements.
Further, they should be accessible in parking spaces at the entrances and exits. You should keep the ADA requirements at your fingertips when installing ramps. If you don’t know where to start and install ADA-compliant ramps, seek professional help with your inspections, ADA lawsuits, requirements and designs.