Texas Ramp Project

[My Old Tools]

I joined a group recently that builds wheelchair ramps for low income clients at no cost. The team consists of retired Christian men that are willing to do manual labor, design, project management, etc. Funded by donations and some charitable connections like United Way. Today was my 3rd build. Most of these guys have been doing it for years. All ramps are ADA compliant.

The Texas Ramp Project

Building Freedom for the Homebound

texasramps.org

 

[Old tool guy]

Actually … I don’t think the grip of the handrail is ada compliant. But it probably works just fine. Good on you for joining.

It always strikes me that ramps like that are really really long.

 

[My Old Tools]

Actually … I don’t think the grip of the handrail is ada compliant. But it probably works just fine. Good on you for joining.

It always strikes me that ramps like that are really really long.

They can be very long depending on the height. The limiting factor is a 5 degree slope. We can't build for any public buildings because ADA is different for those than for private residences.

 

[nateo]

They can be very long depending on the height. The limiting factor is a 5 degree slope. We can't build for any public buildings because ADA is different for those than for private residences.

Do you also need a rest platform for every so many feet of ramp? I think in my area that was part of the code.

I slapped together a temporary ramp out of untreated lumber when I bought my house so my Dad (who's in a wheelchair) could visit. It's pretty close to code, though I think a bit too steep and a few feet too long (without a rest platform).

Of course, 10 years and a minor rebuild later and my untreated temporary ramp is still standing. I should probably repurpose it into firewood at this point, but I still need a short term solution in case my Dad feels up to travelling again.

 

[no704]

very cool. I used to work for a place that does van conversions.