Your building’s accessibility is of paramount importance if you run a public-facing business. Why? Well, there will be many types of customers and visitors coming there, including those with handicaps. Your business cannot be welcoming to everyone if there are barriers to entry and exit. That’s why it is impossible to imagine running a business without making it more accessible to everyone.
Thankfully, modern technology has come up with assistive solutions that greatly help with a business’s accessibility. A commercial wheelchair ramp is one such solution. There are compelling reasons to install a commercial wheelchair ramp. For example, putting in a commercial wheelchair ramp helps people with disabilities and visitors get around. Besides, it successfully expands markets while minimizing risks, preventing accidents, and complying with laws.
Now you might be wondering, how can a mere device help in achieving all these? In this article, we will answer this question by thoroughly discussing the above-mentioned reasons. By the end, you will be convinced to install a commercial wheelchair ramp in your business.
What is a Wheelchair Ramp?
A wheelchair ramp, which is an inclined plane, can be utilized either alone or in conjunction with stairs. You have the option to make this accessibility device permanent or temporary.
Permanent ramps are usually constructed of concrete, wood, or aluminum. They are intended to be bolted or otherwise fastened in position. Conversely, temporary or semi-permanent ramps are designed to be moved around or stored when not in use. They are not fastened to the ground or a concrete pad. Before purchasing temporary ramps, it’s advisable to guarantee they are easy to fold and store, as well as the folded dimensions.
On the other hand, there are two types of wheelchair ramps based on where they are used:
- Residential: Designed to provide safe and convenient access for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues in their homes.
- Commercial: Designed to make it easy for people with wheelchairs and other mobility issues to get around in public places.
It is worth noting that in many places, laws govern the minimum width and maximum slope of a ramp, particularly a permanent ramp. Hence, you must purchase ramps that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, well-designed, and manufactured by reputable companies.
7 Key Reasons to Install a Commercial Wheelchair Ramp
The majority of people place a high value on accessibility. You cannot do your job of well-serving clients and customers if they cannot get into your space. Ramps for wheelchairs are one of those items that can help you with this. Here are seven compelling arguments in favor of installing a wheelchair ramp:
1. Accommodates People with Disabilities
People who have trouble walking or using wheelchairs are the most apparent target audience for a wheelchair ramp. Your company or property will be accessible to them with a wheelchair ramp. When you have a ramp, everyone, including customers with disabilities, can feel included. Customer service and, perhaps, revenue can both benefit from this.
2. Helps Visitors Feel Welcome
A commercial wheelchair ramp is a great way to make a positive first impression. It shows you know about accessibility and are willing to help people with different kinds of physical needs. Customers frequently claim that a business’s street appearance has a big impact on them. That is why making your entrance easy for people to use sends a clear message about who is welcome inside.
3. Assists More Than Just People Using Wheelchairs
There are many people who can benefit from having a wheelchair ramp on your property. It is not just for people who are dependent on wheelchairs.
Many people will appreciate having a ramp available rather than stairs, especially in the winter when the stairs are slick. Besides, the advantages also go to people who:
- Make use of canes, walkers, and other aids
- Can not move around easily because of old age, an injury, health problems, or other reasons
- Visit with young children or push strollers
- Are mobile but risk falling due to uneven surfaces or stairs (e.g., delivery drivers with large parcels)
4. Minimizes Risk
A public or private entity’s owner has an obligation to minimize risk for everyone visiting the commercial space. That’s because it’s not a pretty site to see someone trip, fall, or get hurt. This type of citation is most commonly found on stairs. That is why there should be a safer alternative to stairs.
A wheelchair ramp can be that option. It lessens the likelihood of falling big time. When individuals are uneasy about using the stairs, they have the option to utilize the ramp instead.
5. Prevents Accidents and Promote Safety During Wet Season
Mishaps like tripping or falling can happen to anyone visiting public places during the rainy season. Wheelchair users face an additional safety risk during the rainy season. Wheels getting stuck in puddles can cause major accidents or falls.
Thankfully, with wheelchair ramps, these accidents can be mostly avoided. Ramps allow wheelchairs and other vehicles to move quickly across wet areas. This promotes safety and prevents serious injuries.
6. Complies with the Law
Accessibility is mandatory for public businesses under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The law stresses the elimination of architectural barriers and requires people with disabilities to have equal access. The Comprehensive Resource for the ADA (CORADA) also lists the following as top priorities:
- Removing obstacles like fountains or stations for filling water bottles
- Improving interior and exterior access
- Ensuring access to restrooms
Installing a commercial wheelchair ramp is thus a key recommendation for ADA compliance. That is because it enables businesses to make their facilities more open to all.
However, ramps must adhere to ADA guidelines, including specific slope ratios, rise limits, handrail requirements, and clear widths. Additionally, ramps must have level landings, edge protection, and slip resistance with proper drainage to guarantee accessibility and safety.
7. Expands Your Market
People with disabilities are a large market segment in the United States, with a significant market value. Additionally, they are more loyal to brands, spend more money per trip, and shop more frequently than the typical consumer. You can attract this demographic if your business is easily accessible. And we all know by now how much wheelchair ramps can add to accessibility!
Conclusion
A wheelchair ramp can be used in both commercial and residential settings. It prevents accidents, particularly in wet conditions, meeting ADA priorities. However, the first condition for installing such a ramp is adhering to ADA regulations. If a company follows these guidelines, it can install a commercial wheelchair ramp that anyone who needs it can use. This includes people in wheelchairs, the elderly, parents with strollers, and delivery staff.
Nowadays, businesses that accept accessibility attract loyal customers. This, in turn, boosts revenue. Hence, installing a commercial wheelchair ramp is necessary for tapping into a significant market segment’s purchasing power.
However, getting a wheelchair ramp for your business while disregarding ADA compliance can put you in trouble. You should, therefore, pick a company that sells these ramps while following all the regulations. Call Before You Fall is a clear choice for this category. We are dedicated to providing excellent service and friendly customer support. Trust us with all of your commercial wheelchair ramp needs.
