| THE RAMP PROJECT is a cooperative effort between the Minnesota Department of Economic Security, Rehabilitation Services Branch, and the Metropolitan Center for independent Living (MCIL). It provides information and assistance to individuals and families to help resolve home access problems. A modular, reusable wheelchair ramp design was developed in 1992. The design reduces cost, is faster and easier to construct than traditional ramps, allows construction year-round, and creates ramps that can be easily removed and reused at other locations. Over 600 modular ramps have been installed in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area, and 120 of these involved reused ramp components. |
| LONG-TRED, LOW RISER STEPS provide an alternative to ramps for people who have limited walking ability. The steps, which are also modular in design, are about three times as long and one half as high as regular steps and allow the use of a walker or other assistive devices. These steps are not intended to replace ramps, but are a choice for people who walk. More than 100 homes have had these steps installed. |
| MANUAL AVAILABLE: A construction manual, How to Build Ramps for Home Accessibility, contains design information, detailed step-by-step installation instructions, and engineering drawings for ramps and stairs. Anyone with basic carpentry skills can use the manual to install modular ramps or stairs. The manual is available from MCIL for $15 (see order form below) and can also be viewed on the Internet at http://www.wheelchairramp.org . Local libraries may have the manual, or be able to obtain it; its call number is TH2259.H681995. |
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| VIDEO AVAILABLE: The Ramp Project was honored as a finalist in the 1995 Ford Foundation "Innovations in American Government" award program. As a result, we created a 1-hour video, "The Ramp Project Teleconference," (available for $20) which was broadcast nationwide by satellite in March 1996. The video provides an overview of our ideas, but is not intended to be used as a ramp-building guide. A video construction guide that complements the How to Build Ramps for Home Accessibility manual will be available in the future. |
| BUILDING PERMITS: The Minnesota Building Codes and Standards Division reviewed the modular ramp design design (see manual, pages 16-17). This review has been instrumental in gaining the acceptance of the modular ramp design by local building officials. Private homes are not usually required to comply with the state code for public access, but building permits can be required for home ramps and stairs. Check with your local building official to determine permit requirements. |
| LIABILITY ISSUES: Insurance coverage for the construction can be an obstacle, but it is a resolvable problem and should not deter organizations. Ramps and stairs built by contractors are covered under their insurance; community organizations often provide insurance for their volunteers, and consumers who choose to build their own ramp or stairs, are often covered by their homeowners insurance.
Additional Ramp Project information is available on
line at
http://www.mcil-mn.org/. |
| VOLUNTEERS: Modular ramps and stairs can be installed by volunteers who have basic carpentry skills. Paid supervisors or volunteer skilled builders can been used to supervise installations. The primary source of volunteer labor has been the friends and family of the ramp user. Unskilled volunteer labor may take longer than paid staff; but the sense of empowerment and involvement more than offsets the increased hours of supervisory time. Contractors can also use the designs found in the "How to Build Ramps" manual. |
| SUCCESSES: We have heard from many people and organizations who have used modular ramp and stair designs. Over 1,000 requests for our manual and video have been received from across the U.S. and several other countries. The modular ramp and stair designs can be used by an individual to design and install their own ramp or stairs and by organizations to help meet access needs for many people. The Ramp Project provides a working model for other communities to replicate and adapt to meet their local needs. |
"In February 1997, we ordered one of your ramp hand
books. After reviewing it, we felt it would be perfect for our needs. So
far we have built 14 ramps using these plans. Our clients love them and
the Building Inspectors have complimented us on the design and
appearance of the ramps"
Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| DESIGN ASSISTANCE: Designing the appropriate ramp or set of steps to meet your individual situation is essential. Centers for Independent Living are likely to provide assistance for help in removing home access barriers. Please contact the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) at (703)525-3406 Voice, (703) 525-3407 TDD, (703)525-3408 Fax to locate the center nearest you. |
TO ORDER:
- Call MCIL at 612-646-8342 (V), 612-603-2001 (TDD)
- FAX completed form to MCIL at 612-603-2006
- E-MAIL order to jimwi@mcil-mn.org
- SEND completed form to
MCIL
1600 University Ave W, Suite 16
St. Paul MN 55104 -3825
$______ for ____ manuals @ $15.00 each
$______ for ____videos @ $20.00 each
======== (Prices subject to change)
$______ TOTAL (includes tax, shipping & handling)
NAME___________________________
ADDRESS_______________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP_________________
PHONE_________________________
Please make checks out to MCIL. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for
delivery. An invoice will be sent with your order.
(March 1998; July 1999; January 2001) |
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