We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Wheelchair Ramp?

By G. Wiesen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,085
Share

A wheelchair ramp is an object typically used to allow someone who is in a wheelchair to access places he or she may not otherwise be able to reach. This can include permanent types of ramps, such as those installed at public buildings to bypass stairs. There are also temporary or portable ramps that can be used in temporary situations, such as to make large vehicles wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair ramp can be an optional and temporary feature at a certain location or may be required by law in other situations, such as at most public and government buildings in the US.

The purpose of a wheelchair ramp, generally, is to allow someone who uses a wheelchair access to locations that may otherwise be inaccessible. For the most part, buildings with entrances that are at ground level can be entered by someone in a wheelchair. This can be made easier, however, through the use of automatic doors and similar features that make entrances easier for someone who may be using his or her hands for portability. Buildings with entrances at levels above or below the ground level, however, may not be as easy to access for someone in a wheelchair without the use of a wheelchair ramp.

There are typically two main types of wheelchair ramps: permanent structures and temporary or portable ramps. A permanent wheelchair ramp is typically located outside or inside of a building and allows someone in a wheelchair to more easily enter or exit a doorway. This is often done with buildings that have a raised entryway that otherwise requires someone to ascend several steps to the entryway. A wheelchair ramp can be built running along the side of the building, ending at the top where a landing allows someone in a wheelchair to easily enter the building.

Portable wheelchair ramps can also be utilized to make otherwise inaccessible areas more accessible for someone in a wheelchair. A wheelchair ramp could be used to help someone get into or out of a vehicle, for example, such as a van or bus. Similar portable ramps could also be used to create a flat surface on a short stairway, allowing someone in a wheelchair to ascend or descend the stairs and gain access to a building. Some types of buildings may be required to provide a wheelchair ramp or other type of accessibility to people with disabilities; government, service, and public buildings in the US, such as hospitals and schools, usually must be wheelchair accessible.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-wheelchair-ramp.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.