Solutions for Handicap Stair Help

Stairs offer a real challenge for anyone who is handicapped as they are incredibly difficult to climb when you don't have all of the physical abilities of ambulatory people. Most businesses are required to have solutions for handicapped patrons or employees. There are a variety of options--some more expensive and convenient than others--to help deal with the difficulty of climbing stairs.

Ramp

• Ramps can be built to smoothly rise the same height as stairs, but these are tricky as the ability to manually propel yourself up a wheelchair ramp means it must be at the right gradient. Even very short staircases with only a few stairs may require a long ramp, depending on how quickly the stairs rise from level ground to the top of the stairs. This must be taken into account when building the ramp for the sake of space and cost.

  Many ramps wrap around so they can rise gradually over a longer distance, but not take up as much space in front of the home or business. These ramps are usually made of cement or wood and are rather easy to build.

Handicap Chair Lifts

• Handicap chair lifts are expensive but helpful solutions for large staircases in a home or business. These devices are installed along one side of the staircase and either hook into the existing wheelchair or have a seat to comfortably carry people up the staircase.

  These chair lifts are the most cost-efficient solution for large indoor staircases so someone who is handicapped can have the independence and freedom to move between levels of a building or home.

Elevators

• Elevators are expensive devices to build into a home or office but are undoubtedly the most efficient way for a handicapped person to move between levels of a building. Rather than having to get out of a wheelchair or deal with sitting or standing, a handicapped person enters the elevator, pushes a button for the desired floor and enjoys the ride.

  There are strictly handicapped elevators in many major businesses and stores so that going from level to level is never an issue. To build a formal elevator in a home, however, might be a rather expensive endeavor. Simple lifts, similar to devices used on construction sites or in theaters, can be installed in a home and will do the job between floors just as efficiently.