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Where can I find resources to help with the design and materials for a wheelchair ramp?

A fellow caregiver asked...

I had to leave my job with civil service in July 2007 after 21 years and take disability/retirement. Due to financial problems our home was forclosed on and now we rent. My husband who is 60 and has been on disability/retirement for many years on Railroad Retirement and is now in a wheel chair. I have sons who can help build a temporary ramp but I need assistance with the design and materials. I have checked with Rural Housing and local organizations such as BCMW but no help is available for me and I need to get him to doctors and hospital for tests and care. Can you assist me with any other resources that might help? I live in Nashville, IL.


Expert Answer

Chris Moore is a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) and the founder and president of Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. He is a contractor with more than 24 years of experience in residential construction. He specializes in using the principles of universal design to help seniors age in place in their own homes. He writes a monthly column called Housing Matters on the Senior News website.

Here is a link http://www.wheelchairramp.org/rampman/manual/rampindx.htm to a guide that was created by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living in Minnesota for building ramps. Thes ramps are designed to be built in modules and be removable, perfect for a rental situation. Also there is a booklet on ramps put out by the Center for Universal Design that is very good. Here is the link http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/pubs_p/docs/rampbooklet296final.pdf I hope this helps

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