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Accessible Ramps

Dan A. Muterspaw
Chief Administrator
State of Delaware Architectural Accessibility Board

DATI gets many inquiries about accessible ramps, mostly for private residences. How are they constructed? What material should be used? Are there specific construction standards that must be followed? There are two perspectives that need to be considered when constructing or altering an element, or space, to make it accessible. One has to do with building code requirements, while the other is about compliance with a civil rights law. Here are a few comments on both.

A ramp is just one of many elements contributing to accessible entrances. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a technical group that compiles a list of standards dealing with numerous requirements for construction and alterations in the built environment. Rather than “reinventing the wheel,” your local building code officials have adopted the ANSI standards for accessibility and apply these standards in their code
enforcement activities. Under civil rights law (specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA), there is a separate set of technical requirements known as the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) that are used to achieve a specific level of accessibility for any element or space. The ADAAG is not a set of codes; rather, they are guidelines that, by law, must be followed. Many of the technical requirements associated with the ADAAG and the ANSI standards are identical. In various sections, however, they are not. As a result, it is important that the design professional or contractor working on the job know the differences.
The requirements for constructing an exterior ramp for a private residence are fairly clear, in part because the ADAAG and the ANSI standards are pretty much the same. Further, although the ADA doesn’t apply to single family residential dwellings, local building codes most definitely apply. In summary, if the residential ramp is not intended for public use, ANSI standards and local building codes should be followed.

Title: A photo of a wooden exterior ramp at the side of a house. - Description: The photo shows a wooden ramp beside a pink house. The ramp rises from a cement walkway, is constructed of attractive wood slats and has metal handrails on both sides. The ramp has one switchback and rises several feet to the front porch.A call or visit to your local building code official is the way to start. This individual will tell you that the ramp will need handrails, a certain slope, edge protection (so someone won’t roll off the side), landing areas at the top and bottom of each ramp, a firm and slip resistant surface, the specific widths and maneuvering spaces. This is just a general overview of exterior ramp requirements; each element has additional detail associated with it. For example, handrails have specific requirements for their mounting height, the type of extensions required and the gripping surface. Even though ramp construction can get very detailed, you can get these specifications off the Internet at www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.8, or go to your local library and look up the ANSI standards under your current building code. In addition to some of the basics, the building department staff will also tell you if a permit is required, if plans and drawings are needed, if your planned ramp might be encroaching on a neighbor’s property, what is required to meet structural and/or safety standards, and any other requirements that might be specific to the particular locality or jurisdiction. What New Castle County permits or requires, for example, might be a little different from that of, say, the city of Wilmington. Your local code official will steer you in the right direction.

Title: A photo of a wooden ramp along an outside pathway. - Description: The ramp appears to be along a walkway that spans a hill down to a body of water. It is constructed of attractive wood slats with simple wood handrails on both sides. You’ll also need to determine if this project is something you are capable of doing yourself, or if you’ll need to hire a professional. A contractor will usually be licensed and insured (at least s/he should be) because s/he is operating in the business of trading as a “master craftsman.” In the area of accessibility, however, many contractors are not as knowledgeable as they should be. For that matter, design professionals (engineers, architects, space planners) may not be as knowledgeable as you might think regarding accessibility requirements. When hiring any professional, you should do a little homework before you sign a contract for services. Getting some references from friends or relatives is always a good idea to help you identify competent professionals. If you are a homeowner contemplating doing your own work, you also need to assess your own abilities. It may be nice to do your own home improvement project, either for your personal satisfaction or just to save money, but you don’t want to get in over your head. You’ll also want to ensure that your ramp will be safe and structurally compliant. Again, your local code official will help you understand what is required and/or permitted in this regard. Lastly, don’t forget about a qualified accessibility specialist. These specialists probably know more about this discipline than most and there are several in this area that really know their specialty.

Finding funding for ramp construction can be challenging. While some may be able to afford this construction, many may need some type of financial assistance. There are groups and organizations in the community that may assist with such needs. The first call I would recommend would be to your local government. Most cities, towns and county governments receive federal funds that can be used for housing rehabilitation. A ramp would qualify as a legitimate housing rehabilitation expense. Usually there is a government office set up to run such rehab programs, so you might want to find out who operates this activity in your area and see if you qualify for assistance. There are also a number of privately funded organizations out in the community that help with such accessibility matters. Groups that deal with disability issues may be able to assist you themselves, or could at least steer you to those agencies that may be able to provide some level of assistance. Again, doing a little homework on your options may prove to be quite beneficial. And don’t forget about the DATI website (www.dati.org). It offers information on people who build ramps and resources that help pay for them. You may also call them at 302-651-6869.

Constructing a compliant, accessible ramp is not rocket science. Once you know what is required, it can be a fairly simple project. In my travels throughout the state, however, I’ve seen entirely too many ramps that were constructed improperly, and they were not only out of compliance but were unsafe and unsightly as well. If you are among those who either use or need accessible access to their home, take a little extra time and effort and find out who can provide you with exactly what you need, as well as what you deserve. You’ll be satisfied knowing that you did.

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