Accessibility is a huge issue in modern day society, as we push towards being all inclusive. This means having facilities that are accessible by all members of the community, including that of physically handicapped individuals. In fact, companies are investing heavily into making their buildings accessible as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
Interested to find out what measures are being implemented? In this article we cover the different changes that you can make to your premise to make it accessible.
Designated Parking & Drop Off Spots for Wheelchair Users
We recommend placing designated handicap carpark lots near the building’s lift. This reduces the need for wheelchair users to have to travel across the carpark in order to access the lift or car, vice versa. In return, the potential risks for both them and drivers are reduced.
Similarly, drop off points should include a ramp for wheelchair users to utilise. While it is not impossible for wheelchair users to overcome stairs, especially if they have help from their friends and family, this would surely improve their ease of movement.
Building Entrances & Passageways
Simply put, all entrances and passageways should be wide enough for wheelchair users to travel through. Furthermore, it should also be wide enough to allow them to manoeuvre their wheelchairs, for example in three point turns.
In addition, if there are any ramps or inclined slopes, railings should be installed. These help wheelchair users by giving them more options should they find themselves needed to traverse pass the slope.
Commercial Wheelchair Lifts
A commercial wheelchair lift is suitable for buildings with 2 or to 3 floors. Different from normal lifts, commercial wheelchair lifts move at a much slower pace but are more stable and durable. Utilising a power supplied pulley system, wheelchair lifts cans support weights up to 400kg.
If you are looking to install a wheelchair life, then do give a project timeline of at least 2 weeks. Depending on the complexity of the configuration needed, your contractor or supplier might need to make customisations that will lengthen the installation period.
Installing Stair Lifts
If your building cannot accommodate a commercial wheelchair lift, then the introduction of a stair lift could help to resolve the issue. While still being constrained to 2 or 3 floors, stair lifts can be installed on top of staircases. These devices help wheelchair users to travel up or down a staircase with ease.
Depending on the model, your wheelchair user may or may not need to require the user to get up from his or her wheelchair. Either way, the stair lift can be controlled remotely and will offer a smooth journey along the staircase.
