subject: Handicapped Accessible Wheelchair Lifts [print this page] Wheelchair lifts provide a means of independent mobility for the handicapped on wheelchairs. Nowadays public buildings such as offices, recreational buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, religious centers, community centers, shopping malls, airports and train stations have made special provisions for the easy movement of handicapped wheelchair users. The arrangements include smooth and unrestricted movement for the wheelchairs through doors, stages, vertical platforms, and stairs. In buildings where elevators are not required or cannot be installed, handicapped accessible wheelchair lifts can be installed for vertical accessibility of the wheelchair users.
Design Considerations of Wheelchair Lifts
Wheelchair lifts can be designed in such a way that they can fit into existing or new building structures with minimum modifications, and can be used in any weather conditions. Handicapped accessible wheelchair lifts can be installed permanently or on a temporary basis. Temporary lifts are usually lightweight, portable ones which can be wheeled around, and transported easily from one place to another. These can be stored away safely when not in use.
Wheelchair lifts are designed to meet safety standards and are to be installed in conformation with ADA guidelines and other building codes. They can be used for year round performance, and are available in various sizes and weights depending on the load these need to handle. These lifts can be manually operated during power outages, and have safety features such as control pads and emergency stop button.
Economical and Reliable Option
Wheelchair lifts are an economical option in buildings where installing elevators is next to impossible, unnecessary, forbidden or too expensive. They are safe to use, lightweight, reliable and affordable compared to elevators. Handicapped accessible wheelchair lifts are easy to use and require little maintenance; these are a great boon for handicapped wheelchair users.
