A Wheelchair Lift Means Greater Independence

By Michelle Bery

Those of us who are lucky enough to be able bodied often give very little thought to the modifications that need to be made for those who are physically challenged. As more and more establishments make changes in order to stay up to the codes set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards, it is perfectly customary in this day and age to see ramps leading to buildings, push button openers on automatic doors, and public restrooms with handicap accessible stalls. But the newest, most helpful, modification being made by a great many public buildings is the addition of a wheelchair lift.

A wheelchair lift is a motorized system operated through the use of electric or hydraulics that allows wheelchair users access to higher level areas that would normally have to be accessed by stairs. The user moves their wheelchair onto the wheelchair lift platform; when the power is activated the wheelchair lift moves the platform that the wheelchair sits on from the main floor to a higher floor.

A wheelchair lift can be used in a number of different instances including providing access into a vehicle, onto a porch, or any elevated area that has no ramp access. Lifts can be permanently installed in the area you wish it to serve; or you can utilize a portable wheelchair lift for temporary situations at those times when it is needed. Many public buildings have a portable wheelchair lift at their disposal to accommodate the needs of their guests. For some older buildings, especially, the cost or logistics associated with installing larger elevators or ramps can be obstacles that are difficult to ignore. Some older buildings have small hallways and cramped spaces that don’t allow for the easy installation of ramps. A wheelchair lift in this instance can mean the difference between independence and obstacles.

Many people, faced with a sudden disability or the care for someone who is physically challenged, will install a wheelchair lift into their home. This can be used to help lift someone to the front door of a home that must normally be accessed by many stairs.

A wheelchair lift can be purchased through any number of different companies – a listing for which can be found online. In an effort to ensure that you are getting a quality product, make sure that the product in which you are interested is ADA compliant.

About the Author: For easy to understand, in depth information about wheelchair lift visit our ezGuide 2 Wheelchair Lifts.

Source: isnare.com

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