Many times we have to ensure that we can provide an easy way for a person using a wheelchair (or maybe even canes) to get onto to a stage. That means providing a ramp instead of stairs. It is important to ensure that the slope is not too great so that it is difficult for the person to walk or roll up the slope.
The lower the slope (less rise) the safer and easier the use of the ramp. That said, the general rule of thumb is 1″ of rise will require 12″ of ramp. This doesn’t mean you can’t use a steeper rise, it just means that the person in a wheelchair may not be able to get themselves onto the stage on their own. The goal is to try and provide a method for everyone to feel they can make it on their own if they want to!
Rowe Events have 8ft long wheelchair ramps with an 8″ rise built into it. 16″ high boosters are available. If your stage is higher than 16″, it doesn’t mean you can’t use a ramp, it just means that multiple ramps must be used to reach that height.
