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Handicap Ramps: Legal Requirements of Commercial Property Owners

Handicap wheelchair ramps provide access to those struggling with mobility challenges, so it is essential to address necessary repairs as soon as possible. For more information on handicap ramp repairs or other concrete services, contact Pavement Services.

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Handicap Ramps: Legal Requirements of Commercial Property Owners

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  1. Handicap Ramps: Legal Requirements of Commercial Property Owners Many people with mobility disabilities are unable to climb steps or stairs. People who use crutches, walkers, or other mobility aids may have difficulty climbing stairs, especially if the steps are steep or numerous. In addition, people who have heart or respiratory disabilities often have significant difficulty climbing stairs. People who use wheelchairs are generally not allowed to climb stairs. Aren’t those people lucky if they need access to a business located upstairs? No, fortunately, people with mobility disabilities can generally use ramps to travel vertical distances.

  2. Legal Protection Laws such as the Federal Persons with Disabilities Act(ADA) and the Federal Fair Housing Act(FHA) and similar state and local laws ensure that people with mobility disabilities have access to goods, services, programs, and housing. The premise of these laws is that people with disabilities, like everyone else, should be able to participate in community life. One way that ADA and similar laws allow people with mobility disabilities access to goods, services, and programs is to require property owners and operators to provide ramps in different situations. Ramp Requirements A ramp is a sloped device that joins one flat surface to another across a vertical distance. In order to be available to people with disabilities, ramps typically need to be built to specific specifications. For example, the slope of many lamps is 1:12. This means that ramps are 12 inches long for every inch of height. In general, all ramps, except very short ramps, have handrails to increase the usability of people with disabilities. Unless one of the few limited exceptions applies, the ADA requires that commercial and government buildings first constructed after January 26, 1992, and first occupied after January 26, 1993, be accessible to persons with reduced mobility. This means, in part, that these buildings must have accessible entrances that are either at street level or accessible by a ramp instead of climbing stairs. The FHA has similar requirements for entrances to “covered multifamily dwellings” designed and built for the first occupancy after March 13, 1991.

  3. Owners and operators of buildings built after the ADA and FHA new construction dates discussed above may need to provide ramps if possible. The ADA requires that existing buildings(buildings built prior to the above date)have ramps if the owner is “easily achievable” to install. In some cases, the FHA requires housing providers to install ramps if necessary to allow people with disabilities to use and enjoy housing. Elsewhere, the FHA requires housing providers to allow disabled people to install ramps at their own expense. In addition, many transport providers, such as taxi and bus companies, are obliged to provide people with reduced mobility with access to their services. This often means providing a ramp or elevator to allow access to some of the vehicles in their fleet. Local governments, such as cities or counties, are often required to provide small ramps called curbs to allow people with disabilities access to sidewalks. Other Accessibility Requirements Even if certain businesses, government programs, housing providers, or transportation agencies do not need to provide ramps, they typically need to provide a way for people with mobility disabilities to access services. In some cases, this may mean providing services in a different way or location. For example, a restaurant with only a staircase on the eighth floor of an existing building may decide to provide take-out services to people who are uncomfortable with the behavior, even if they do not provide it to others. Ramps and similar features allow people with disabilities to participate fully in community life. Knowledge of the accessibility requirements of the act can help people with disabilities educate commercial, housing, government, and transportation service providers to obtain the level of access to which they are entitled. What are the advantages of a ramp for the disabled? The construction of an accessible ramp, in addition to improving the quality of life of all people with reduced mobility, offers another series of advantages that should be highlighted for any public or private building: •Universal Accessibility: Not only will it allow everyone in a wheelchair to have self- sufficiency in use, but it will also enable access to baby carriages or the transport of heavy goods on wheels. •Quick Construction: Your work takes just days or a few weeks to complete. •Durability and Maintenance: The ramps are characterized by their high level of resistance regardless of whether they are found both internally and externally, as well as maintaining a low maintenance cost compared to other means, such as those that may be incurred in the installation of elevators. Why ADA ramp contractors handicap for all your disabled ramp needs?

  4. As mentioned, handicap ramps are required in many commercial structures. Handicap ramp contractors work with clients in many buildings, including apartment complexes, multi-family residential facilities, office buildings, warehouses, industrial facilities, and restaurants. Handicap wheelchair ramps provide access to those struggling with mobility challenges, so it is essential to address necessary repairs as soon as possible. For more information on handicap ramp repairs or other concrete services, contact Pavement Services. Source Url: https://pavementservices.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/handicap- ramps-legal-requirements-of-commercial-property-owners/

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