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Chapter 20
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FIGURE 20.1. Turning Space Required
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FIGURE 20.2. Wheelchair Dimensions
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Sometimes it seems that all the world is a staircase. Many places are wheelchair accessible because they have ramps, but others are not. The one place you should be sure has ramps, though, is your own home.
Ramps are a safe way of replacing steeper sets of stairs. Listed below are some hints on what you should consider when building ramps.
Exceptions to this guideline are if you have very strong arms or are using an electric wheelchair. In either of these conditions, you may be able to use a steeper ramp. We will recommend that you use the 1:12 ratio, though. You’ll appreciate that when you bring home groceries or are carrying a baby in your lap!
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FIGURE 20.3. Ramps
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Walkways around your house are important to provide a solid, constant surface through rough terrain like your yard. That way, you will not have to worry about getting stuck, especially when the ground is soft due to rain or snow. That is, of course, if the walkways are built right!
Walkways should be a minimum of 42" wide to prevent slipping off the edge. To allow for wheelchair turning on corners or switchbacks, a 5’ width is needed.
Entrances should have a clear, unobstructed opening of at least 32" (36" preferred) with a level or beveled threshold no more than 1/2" higher than the floor.
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Have you ever gone through a doorway and mashed your fingers on the edge of a box you were carrying or smashed your fingers on your wheel because you just barely had enough room? Not too much fun, is it? So give yourself a break and plan plenty of room for your doorways. The minimum width of doors should be 3’0" (32" clear opening). Special attachments on your wheelchair may require even wider doors. Ask your therapists to help you determine your wheelchair width. (See figure 20.4). Doorways into bathroom or other confined spaces should swing out. Large bathrooms providing ample maneuvering space will permit the door to swing in; however, in-swinging doors are a potential hazard if you should fall and block the door. Sliding doors, pocket doors, or "break away" hardware are other alternatives. Doors can be one of the biggest obstacles in your daily life. In fact, there are several things about a door that you should be aware of in order to make your life easier. |
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Hallways at least 36" wide allow wheelchair access to rooms; however, if a doorway is too narrow, turning may still be difficult. Figure 20.7 illustrates the best hallway-doorway configurations to optimize your accessibility.
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The information provided here is for general purposes only. The material is not a substitute for consultation with your health-care provider regarding your particular medical conditions and needs. The information provided does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Beyond SCI with respect to any particular advice, product, or company. Beyond SCI assumes no legal liability or responsibility that the information appearing on this website is accurate, complete, up to date, or useful for any particular purpose. Please note that information is constantly changing; therefore, some information may be out of date since the last update.
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