The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of DRNJ Home

128 Pages·2009·0.84 MB·English

The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of DRNJ
Home Modification Resource Guide
is designed to provide general information in response to
commonly asked questions regarding home modifications and
accessibility.

ATAC of DRNJ is providing this packet for information purposes only. ATAC of DRNJ does
not make any endorsement of any products or services provided. In addition, ATAC of DRNJ
makes no representation as to the quality of services provided by entities included in this
packet.
The Home Modification Resource Guide is available in alternate format upon request
(i.e. large print, electronic, tape)

Assistive Technology Advocacy Center
of
Disability Rights New Jersey

210 South Broad Street, Third Floor
Trenton, New Jersey 08608

[phone] [phone] (TTY)
[phone] [phone] (FAX)

The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of DRNJ is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department
of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), through the NJ Department of Labor and
Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. ATAC is administered by
Disability Rights New Jersey, New Jersey's designated protection and advocacy system for people with
disabilities.
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Table of Contents

I. Home Mods and Accessibility: What You Should Know Page 4
II. Accessibility Checklist Page 11
III. Hiring a Contractor: What You Should Know Page 14
IV. Other Features of Home Modifications Page 17
V. Web Resources for Home Modifications Page 20
VI. Contractors, Consultants and Vendors Page 22
VII. Financial Assistance – State and Federal Page 36
VIII. Financial Assistance – Agencies and Foundations Page 51
IX. Volunteer Organizations Page 71
X. County Resources Page 77
XI. UPDATE SHEET Page 127

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FREQUENT UPDATES TO THIS PUBLICATION!
WWW.DRNJ.ORG

2009
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Home Mods and Accessibility: What You Should Know

In order to gain access into your home, a ramp is a simple solution. However, there are
some very important details that you should be sure to address.

First, you should know that there are three basic types of ramps:
• L-shaped ramps make a 90-degree turn. They include a landing at the
point where the ramp turns.
• Straight-shot ramps follow a straight line. They make no turns.
• Switchback ramps make a 180-degree change in direction. These ramps
will also feature a landing at the point where the ramp will change direction.

Second, there are portable ramps and modular ramps.
• Portable ramps are lightweight and enable you to take the ramp with you
wherever you go. They may be constructed of steel, aluminum, or
fiberglass.
• Modular ramps are systems that may be considered for permanent or
semi-permanent placement. The modules can be connected by bolts,
clamps, or fitted together.

Aluminum ramps are often a good choice when a temporary ramp is needed. Wood can be
used for more permanent ramps, as can concrete. Wood ramps should be constructed out
of pressure-treated wood to maximize the life of the ramp.

When you decide what type of ramp you want installed in your home, install a ramp with
these features for the greatest safety:
• A gentle incline
Remarkably, a steep ramp is probably just as dangerous as no ramp at all!
At the most, ramps should feature one inch of vertical rise for every 12
inches of ramp. When speaking with a contractor or vendor, they will often
use the terminology "1:12" (this reads like "one-to-twelve"). A more ideal
incline is one inch of vertical rise for every 20 inches of ramp length. A
1:20 grade is not as steep a 1:12 grade ramp, and the 1:20 grade is less
stressful on a person going up a ramp.

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• Level surfaces
All ramps and landings must be level from side to side. They cannot be
uneven. A ramp that slopes, even just a little, can upset a person's balance
or make it difficult for a wheelchair user to use the ramp.
• A roomy width
Ramps should have at least 36-48 inches of clear width, no barriers. It is
recommended that wheelchair users measure the width of their personal
wheelchair and ensure ample space on either side of the wheels, considering
the width of the ramp.
• An "anti-slip" surface
Outdoor ramps must be designed so that water will not accumulate, or
gather in puddles, on their surfaces. If the ramp is near the house, install
roof gutters above the ramp to keep rainwater from running off the roof and
onto the ramp. You can decrease slippery surfaces on wooden ramps by
attaching "grit" tapes, which can be easily found at any home supply store.
You can also add sand to a can of polyurethane and use it to paint the ramp.
If you are planning to build a concrete ramp, you can create a rough texture
on it by brushing the surface with a broom before the concrete hardens.
• Adequate landings
Ramps should have level landings at the top and bottom. The top landing
keeps the user from rolling or falling backward when trying to open or close
the door. The bottom landing allows the user to make an easy transition to
level ground. Make sure that the landings are at least as wide as the ramp
leading to it, and have a minimum length of 60 inches. Install a 60" x 60"
landing at any point where the ramp changes direction.
• Guardrails
As a safety precaution, guardrails keep people and wheels safely on the
ramp at all times. It is recommended that guardrails be mounted along the
side of the ramp, usually at a seated person's knee height (approximately
18" to 20" from the ramp floor). Edging a few inches high should be
mounted along the edge of the ramp.
• Handrails on both sides of the ramp
Handrails should be no more 1½ inches in diameter. In addition, the
handrails should extend at least 12 inches beyond the ramp at both ends.
Use wood! Remember, metal may be uncomfortable to use in wintertime.

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• A shelter from the weather
If you've built your ramp close to the house, you may want to consider
putting a small extension on the house roof to cover the ramp. This
extension can protect users from bad weather. The roof will also keep
rainwater from pooling on the ramp, which could create slippery conditions.
• Finally, when installing a ramp
Hire a professional. If your builder is unfamiliar with building ramps, make
sure to provide him or her with the guidelines for ramp construction listed
above.
Build the ramp to complement the style of your house. Ramps should blend
in, not look as if they were just attached. You can improve the appearance
of the ramp by placing it close to the house rather than having it run directly
into the yard.
Consider adding landscaping and other finishing details to spruce up the
ramp's appearance.
Build a set of stairs off the top landing of the ramp so other household
members and visitors can use the stairs if they want. Not everyone will
want to use a ramp!
Whenever possible, give the ramp a southern exposure, if possible. Why?
The sun can help dry the ramp surface after a rain, or melt accumulated ice
and snow.
Avoid locating your ramp near trees or bushes that drop leaves or pods.
Leaves and pods are accidents waiting to happen!
Follow each step of the construction of your ramp. Make sure that YOUR
ramp is being built to YOUR specifications and needs! Only consider
recommendations from contractors -builders that are well experienced with
ADA accessibility and accommodations.

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An aluminum straight-shot ramp

A wooden L-shape ramp

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A modular L-shape ramp

A switchback ramp

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L-shape ramp

L-shape ramp
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A switchback ramp

A switchback ramp
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