How to Design Your Own Wheelchair Ramp

Wheelchair ramps are essential for increasing the mobility and independence of wheelchair users and should be part of the planning stage for all new public buildings. For existing buildings, there can be many concerns on how and where to install a ramp and what the costs may be. However, it is simple and cost effective to design a wheelchair ramp perfectly suited for your own needs.

A tape measure
A pen and paper

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height of the step or steps to be replaced with the ramp. Measure the length between the top of the steps and the base, then add this to the length between the base of the steps and any nearby walls or other obstacles. Make a note of the position of any obstacles that may make turning a wheelchair difficult and their distance from the steps.
- 2
  Multiply the height of the steps, in inches, by twelve to find the length of the ramp you will need. A gradient of 1:12 is good for a ramp that is not too steep to climb in a wheelchair but is also not too long to be positionable in most corridors or outside.
- 3
  Compare this calculated length with the free space available as determined by the second measurement in Step 1. If the calculated length is less than the free space, the ramp will work. If the length is greater than the free space, consider a slightly higher gradient or even a two-stage ramp that doubles back upon itself, to reduce the overall length.

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