One of the toughest things about finding yourself in a wheelchair is that you can not go to all the places you wish to go. For example, if you want to enter a building that just has an entrance up several stairs, you basically have to reconsider. Even though Americans with Disabilities Acts of the 1990s forced the matter of all new structures having wheelchair accessible construction of ramps and elevators, older structures are exempt unless renovating has been performed. This significantly limits the independence enjoyed by these disabled Americans causing them to feel disappointed and weak.

When a building is newly-constructed or even remodeled, the laws are incredibly specific about the level of access they have to offer people in wheelchairs. The incline of ramps has to be between 1:16 and 1:20. The ability of somebody in a wheelchair to cope with an incline depends upon both slope and length. Even the best inclines are difficult for those with poor upper body strength and endurance. It has been determined that most people in wheelchairs can manage a slope of 1:16, but many are stymied by one of 1:12. Any time a building will be remodeled, it has to bring its accessibility up to code standards at the time of the construction.

Besides the amount of slope a ramp has, there are also guidelines concerning handrails and landings. Landings must be at least as wide as the ramps leading up to them which translates to at least 36” x 60” long. If a ramp alters direction, the landing in between the segments has to be at least 60” x 60” to permit a turn radius. When there is a doorway at the top of the ramp, then the space in front of the door need to abide by government specifications.

All wheelchair accessible ramps are required to have handrails which are no higher than 28” unless it is a building specifically made for the use of young children. If the ramp has a rise of more than 6”, then there needs to be appropriate handrails on both sides.

Even if you’re handicapped, you have rights to independence as well as freedom like everybody else. If you are having problems with facilities that you feel should be up to code but which aren’t, you can phone the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and visit with them about your rights. The contact numbers are 800-514-0301 for voice and 800-514-0383 for TTY.