| Thousands of Americans suffer from illnesses and | | | | Grab bars and handrails are considered to be two of |
| injuries every year that would require them to use a | | | | the most important parts of the wheelchair |
| wheelchair. How much impact does this have on | | | | accessible construction for home or business. They |
| society? If you happen to be a loved one of one of | | | | make great accessories for those individuals on |
| those who has to use a wheelchair, you may have | | | | wheelchairs, especially in restrooms. |
| to perform some wheelchair accessible construction | | | | Handrails and bars provide the stability and extra |
| at home to make it easier for them to move around. | | | | support for those who really need it. In fact, handrails |
| The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires | | | | may be used beside a ramp and would prove to be |
| public accommodations to meet certain standards so | | | | really helpful if the ramp happens to be very long. It |
| as not to discriminate against the handicapped, | | | | will help the individual keep their balance and provide |
| including people in wheelchairs. As a result, business | | | | safety. |
| owners have to make their facilities accessible for | | | | According to ADA, handrails must also be securely |
| handicapped persons. Not only is it required, but it's | | | | anchored and mounted between 34 and 38 inches |
| also good for business. | | | | high, projected from the wall 1 1/2 inches, and the |
| So what type of wheelchair accessible construction | | | | ends rounded off for safety. On the other hand, |
| are you thinking of? Homes and businesses should | | | | grab bars need to be mounted securely and it |
| have handrails, wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and of | | | | involves screwing the hardware directly into wall |
| course, commercial washroom accessories. At home | | | | studs or wood blocking. |
| you will need something to sit on while taking a bath, | | | | One of the very important parts of making a home |
| so a folding tub seat or shower seat will be | | | | ready for an individual with a wheelchair is the |
| necessary. | | | | shower or tub seating. There are actually many |
| For wheelchair ramps, there are many varieties to | | | | different types of seating including the L-shaped |
| choose from. The first type is the modular wheelchair | | | | shower seats and folding tub seats. It is |
| ramp which is portable but really strong and | | | | recommended to have the seats mounted on the |
| affordable. Another is the solid wheelchair ramp, a | | | | wall as the individual wouldn't have to place the unit in |
| one piece unit for times when a permanent ramp is | | | | and out of the tub. Keep in mind that security and |
| needed. A folding wheelchair ramp, on the other | | | | safety are the two most important things when |
| hand, is durable and lightweight for travel. Lastly, a | | | | working on wheelchair accessible construction. Always |
| threshold wheelchair ramp is specifically created for | | | | ensure that all additions are safely made and comply |
| doorways. | | | | with the ADA standards. |