Accessibility
When it comes to ensuring the safety and accessibility of your home, every detail matters. One often overlooked aspect of your home is the patio door, which is often a sliding glass door. Sliding patio doors can be challenging for wheelchair users due to the sliding door tracks as well as the high threshold that […]
“What length ramp should I order for 3 stairs?” It’s the first question you should ask when purchasing a wheelchair ramp. But how exactly do you know which ramp or ramp length would be best for your stairs? Here’s how HandiRamp’s CEO and resident ramp expert, Thom, responded; “This is not a simple answer. Each […]
Threshold ramps play a crucial role in making your home accessible for you and/or your loved ones using mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. However, when it comes to selecting the right threshold ramp for your needs, how do you know which one is best for your home? With two popular options, rubber and […]
As the first snowflakes of winter begin to fall, they bring with them the promise of days filled with sledding, snowmen, and hot chocolate. However, the winter season also marks the beginning of hazardous weather conditions that can interfere with the safe usage of outdoor wheelchair ramps. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can make navigating […]
For centuries, the bond between humans and horses has been a source of wonder and admiration. Whether ridden for work, recreation, therapy, or sports, horses provide an avenue for connection and exploration. One often overlooked aspect of this relationship is the process of mounting the horse. While able-bodied & experienced riders don’t give mounting a […]
When you are enjoying time with friends and family, the festivities usually migrate around the house. Gorgeous weather can bring the group outdoors onto the patio or deck to continue forming core memories. However, this can be easier said than done for your loved ones who use electric wheelchairs or scooters. Your sliding patio door […]
Learn how to choose the right threshold ramp for your sliding glass or patio door.
What is Aging-in-Place? Aging-in-place refers to staying in one’s own home and community as they age. As our loved ones get older, they become more prone to slips and falls that could lead to life-altering health conditions. The problem many seniors face is that while their homes served them well in their younger years, they […]
For someone in a wheelchair, finding the best way into and out of a home can be a daunting process. When you’re fully ambulatory, you don’t think of a step or two as much of a challenge. When you’re in a wheelchair or use a scooter, the front steps to your home can seem insurmountable. […]
When my grandfather was nearing the end of his life, he had to use a wheelchair most of the time. The nursing home he was living in was equipped with ramps, but when it came time for visits home, we had to find a safe entry and exit pathway into our home. These trips were […]
Of all the things that people miss during the season of COVID-19, dining at a favorite restaurant is likely to be at the top. Who doesn’t miss a great burger, a perfectly cooked omelet, or a great craft cocktail? In this brave new world, restaurant dining has effectively become outdoor dining, and leave it to […]
The 2019 National Hardware Show was a blast! Handi Ramp owner and Stop the Slip author, Thom Disch got the chance to sit down with the Carey Brothers for a great guest interview. The Carey Brothers’ On The House programs provide valuable home building and renovation advice, drawn from their 70+ years of combined experience […]
In Ridgefield, Connecticut residents were furious to find that the wheelchair ramp at their local CVS Pharmacy has been removed and replaced with stairs. Wheelchair and stroller users now must use the far side of the store to gain access. People are outraged and encouraging the ramp to be put back where it originally was […]
Last year we were asked to create a structure for Battery Park in New York. Our guys traveled from our home base in Chicago out to the Big Apple for a few days to install the custom ramp. Since this ramp is ADA Compliant, now everyone has a chance to check out the historic area. Not […]
As we dive headfirst into this year’s holiday season, it is important to keep your houseguests’ comfort in mind. There are several ways in which you might accommodate your visitors. You might clean the house before Thanksgiving or Christmas or set up an elaborate holiday display in your front lawn. You are going to want […]
Handi-Ramp is proud to announce that their line of non-slip treads – Handi-Treads – is now featured at a local Ace Hardware Store in Libertyville, Illinois. The treads have experienced a great deal of growth in recent years and Handi-Ramp management decided it was time to expand the retail offerings of their product. Ace is […]
Let’s face it; we all know art can become very expensive with collectors paying millions for one-of-a-kind pieces. You could paint yourself, but who wants paint splattered in their home or garage? No, what you should do is head over to www.handiramp.com where over 55 art scenes can be purchased for less than $100, and […]
Imagine your family owning a pontoon boat ramp and launching it off the South Carolina coast for the past decade, making memories and sharing laughs. Recently your beautiful Golden Retriever has fallen ill and can no longer run, jump, or chase after squirrels, his favorite activity. After a brief discussion with the family, it was […]
If you’re the proud owner of a Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborghini, Ferrari, or even a camper, then you know scratching the underside of the body is a big ‘no no’ when entering your driveway from the street. Millions of homes in the United States have what’s called a “rolled curb” as opposed to a “standard curb”. […]
With warmer than average temperatures slated to cover much of the contiguous United States Thursday, its hard to think about nothing else except enjoying the weather. This is the time of year landscapers, roofers, and other contractors wait for after a harsh winter. But before any appointments are scheduled and work begins, equipment must be […]
If you are looking for a high-quality pet ramp to help your dog access your pool, car, or furniture, visit our official website at PetStep.com! Our pet ramps are durable and lightweight, and feature an exclusive non-slip rubberized surface that provides traction in any weather condition. You’ll also find helpful information on how to use and […]
In early 2014, Handi-Ramp received a call from a homeowner requesting a ramp, double bar handrails, some threshold ramps, and grab bars to be installed for the homeowner’s 80-year-old-mother. The home, which was purchased just a month prior, did not meet the homeowner’s safety requirements. To make the mother’s daily routine easier, the Handi-Ramp crew […]
More and more people require medical assistance than ever before. Fortunately, the internet has provided us a means to connect with those who can help. So, what happens when the above is mixed together? Crowd funding. What is Crowd funding? It’s a collective effort of individuals who network and pool their money via the internet […]
In the latter weeks of December 2013, Handi-Ramp sent off a shipment of non slip tread kits to an Amazon Canada fulfillment center with the goal of selling said tread kits to the citizens of Canada, saving them on the high cost of shipping and transit time. When Amazon first offered their Prime service at […]
When Handi-Ramp first opened its doors back in 1958, its’ goal was to connect those in need to easily affordable custom accessibility options. This has since grown to offer additional ramp’s in a variety of both portable and permanent options, in addition to safety products. Recently, in efforts to continue developing both their accessibility and […]
We’ve all heard a story at one point or another about a retired married couple taking a cross country trip in their RV because, hey, it was on their bucket list. What’s often not disclosed, and unique about this story, is that the couple wanted to take along the husband’s aging mother. The couple decided […]
Imagine you work two jobs seven days a week and come home each night to your three children – one of whom is paralyzed from the shoulders down after a horrible hit and run accident a few years prior. He’s been in an out of hospitals more times than she can remember and requires constant […]
When middle school students return to their classroom this Tuesday following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day, something will be a bit different. When exiting the school there was a step down as you walked out the door. This is not a typical exit situation where an exit landing is usually level with the surface […]
Each year around the first week of November, PATH Int’l (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and EAAT (equine-assisted activities and therapies) hosts a conference and annual meeting to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs and build participant skills. This year, the event was held in Orlando FL and featured 19 […]
Today, millions of Americans will take a moment or two to thank our armed forces for their service and sacrifice. Did you know Veterans Day was created by President Wilson in 1919 to honor those who served (should not be confused with Memorial Day which celebrates those in the armed forces who have died). Since […]
Not long ago I took a call from a family who recently moved out of a 3 bedroom apartment and into a more spacious 4 bedroom home, bringing them closer to their retired, aging parents who themselves live in a small 2 bedroom home. The move allowed them to more freely navigate around the house […]
Now that much of the country is officially in the fall season, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday) hundreds if not thousands of baby boomers put down their flowering pots and knitting in favor of the local American Legion Hall hosting their weekly bingo session. Many of these Hall’s mentioned above play host […]
What if you and your wife recently purchased a home – it’s a gorgeous 2 story red-brick home, and although there is no interior work to be done, the exterior is another story. The grass looks burnt with random patches, the deck in the backyard is unfinished (only way on or off is the porch […]
This past weekend I went to see a musical in my home town in southern Illinois. The building it was held in was built recently, and it was my first time seeing this new community theater. The main entrance was placed on the southwest street corner with a few stairs leading up to the lobby […]
Oftentimes when a customer calls me asking for helping selecting a ramp we are able to find an entire ecosystem of solutions for their home. Maybe they need a ramp for the garage entryway and forgot about the side door threshold. Or maybe they needed bathroom grab bars and forgot about the driveway slope. Take […]
Suppose you just purchased a new lease on a commercial building in the heart of Charleston SC. The equipment has been purchased and moved in and you’re about ready to open for business when a thunderstorm forms one night in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast. The next morning you arrive only to find […]
As we leave the warmer summer months behind and enter the cooler, latter part of the year, we know one thing: football season is upon us. It is easy to get carried away (especially during high school and college games) when your team is playing at home against a top rank opponent. Quite often with […]
If you have not yet visited Ramps.org you are in for a real treat. Ramps.org is an educational website where you can learn more about the rise and run of a ramp, ADA guidelines, ramp materials, portable ramps, ramps for vehicles and much more.This highly popular informational website is supported by Handi-Ramp. One of the […]
In the world of ramps we often think of capacity as being a top-three most important aspect for a ramp selection. Luckily, in the case of a PetSTEP ramp, one size fits all. Any breed you can think of will work with a PetSTEP ramp from the smallest teacup Pomeranian to the largest St. Bernard. […]
After weeks of conducting your research, going for a test drive, and speaking with service professionals, you finally made a decision regarding a new eco-friendly vehicle. Money is discussed and agreed upon, papers are signed, and the keys are handed over. You’re done, right? Not if the vehicle you just bought is unequipped for accessibility […]
With most of the country in the prime of 2013’s summer, many people flock to pools, lakes, and coastlines to keep cool. Sadly, many are unable to bring their pets along to enjoy the same freshness due to an injury or age. Why deny them the enjoyment of a cool dip in the water? Dogs […]
As we age, it often becomes necessary to use medication. The same is true for our dogs who suffer a wide range of health problems as they age. Giving medication to your pup, particularly in pill form, can sometimes be a challenge so let’s take a look at a few different approaches you can try. […]
The image of accessibility is undergoing a remodeling. Starting in New York and moving to other areas of the country, Chicago is one of the hotbeds of change. Self Image is Everything How we think about ourselves is everything. Image is everything. And the idea that being in a wheelchair is inherently an inactive state […]
Whether through age, illness, or disability, becoming reliant on a wheelchair paves the way for considerable changes to your way of life. The same four walls you’ve live in all your life can become a prison. Something as simple as getting from your driveway to your front door can become a challenge if you’re in […]
Now that winter has finally departed for most of the United States, families and individuals alike look to put down their phones, shut off their laptops, and enjoy the warmer temps heading their way. Many families, when considering a travel destination, take accessibility into consideration when travelling with a family member that requires a wheelchair. […]
According to the 2010 census, nearly 57 million people in the United States have a disability. That’s 19 percent of the population! This means more likely than not, you know someone who has a disability. So how do you prepare your home if you invite that person over for dinner, a movie marathon, or game […]
When choosing to have a permanent ramp installed at your home or business, there are two main options for the ramp’s material: wood and aluminum. Despite wood ramps being less expensive than those made from aluminum, the durability, practicality, and simplicity of an aluminum ramp make it well worth the extra cost. Wood Ramp vs. […]
Paying it forward by building wheelchair ramps in the community Paying it forward is a big thing these days. Giving back to the community is something that is becoming very important in the learning process at all educational levels. We see this with building ramps for the disabled in communities all over the country. High […]
It takes all kinds of modifications to make a home accessible for someone who physically challenged: portable wheelchair ramps, grab bars, handrails and more. However, the changes you make should not end with safety features. Security is also a major issue. The changes that make a home more accessible can also be a signal to […]
This past weekend I visited a former professor at my alma mater college in the Midwest. As I drove through the outskirts of campus, the hilly sections brought back memories when my classmates and I, weather permitting, sat one those hills and studied. Now years later I see many sections of the campus newly remodeled. […]
At last, summer has arrived! This is the time of year for families and friends to grab their swimsuits, suntan lotion, and towels and get into the water. We at Handi-Ramp, north of Chicago in Libertyville, are lucky as there are many aquatic options within a few hours’ ride. It is relaxing and fun to […]
Like humans older dogs are more prone to diseases and problems as they get older. While you should be taking your dog to the vet for regular checkups, as most dog owners leave long gaps between each checkup (usually a year), it’s worth keeping an eye on your dog’s health yourself in case anything crops […]
Our hearts go out to the many in Oklahoma who have lost loved ones and to those recovering after the storm. With severe weather bringing horrendous tornadoes to Oklahoma, many residents are now beginning to clean up after two days of sheer shock. While thousands of people were able to seek shelter from the […]
If you look back over the last 100 years, you’ll see that there have been a number of positive steps towards the creation of an equal and fair society. There have been a number of laws passed to ensure that people from different faiths and of different genders are treated with the respect that they […]
For thousands of years, brave young men and women have put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, and for thousands of years the vast majority of those who return home must attend to varying degrees of injuries. Topping the list of the most common injury is an amputation, with many of our […]
Weather Changes – In Boston as Well as Anywhere – Think of Safety – Think of HandRails Imagine yourself invited to an important fund-raiser at one of the top hotels in Boston. You bought a brand new designer gown weeks ago, and just recently purchased a pair of new heels, which happen to be the […]
In three of our previous segments, we’ve introduced the question of what portable ramp is right for me, and introduced a seven part series to better help you understand ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. So far we’ve covered what the ramps use or purpose is, and more importantly what the rise you’re trying to […]
Much has been written about owning a new puppy, but much less spoken of are the demands presented by owning a dog in its senior years. Modern advances in veterinary care mean that more and more dogs are living to a ripe old age – and although these senior years can be just as rewarding, […]
A Visit From Mom I received a call earlier in the week from a customer in Texas whose mother is visiting later this spring. Due to the home’s architecture there is a sunken living room that sits a few feet below the house’s foundation requiring two stairs between the family room and kitchen. Her mother […]
The Rise and the Run of a Ramp In our two previous segments, we introduced the idea of purchasing a ramp into several different sections and introduced those sections to you. We also offered a variety of options to choose from trying to determine what ramp is best for you. In this part of our […]
Hello, and welcome back. In our previous segment, we introduced the question of how to choose the best ramp to fit your needs, and because of its complexity, we decided to write a seven part series that will review detailed information to better help your decision. Location and Purpose of Your Ramp In this segment, […]
I spoke with a customer earlier this week who had a good question: they live in a single family residence and wanted to know what the right ramp length for them is? Unfortunately, this is a very complex question. Every situation is unique with several factors that must be considered when determining the length of […]
A New Wheelchair Ramp for a New Van While I was watching the news a few days ago, the local newsperson gave estimated statistics for the number of vehicles traveling later this year for the major holidays. Immediately following the news the next commercial was two car commercials promoting their respective 2013 models and “last […]
Special Aunts I have many aunts. All of them are special and favorite to me. I have many fond memories of them. Many of these memories are of Easter. Of course I remember painting eggs and candy. And years when Easter was warmer and in April, not March. Letting Go but Still Caring One thing […]
If you’ve ever run into a problem securing a portable pet ramp to the rear door of your vehicle, the following story could change your life. Many vehicles on the road today are not designed to accommodate a portable pet ramp that will assist your pet into the rear seat. If someone were to attempt […]
What does the phrase ‘Made in the USA’ mean to you? With Presidents week wrapped up and honorably ending with Washington’s official Birthday, it is always good to take a moment to think about our country, what it stands for, and reflect on being an American. One of the things that makes President’s day a […]
With the hint of graduation right around the corner, many high schools and universities have begun the rigorous process of planning one of the biggest events of a student’s life – graduation. First there’s a question of venue – hold it on campus or rent a larger space elsewhere? Second is the question of how […]
Just in time for Valentine’s Day we received a wonderful Valentine from a customer: I love my PetStep rubberized dog ramp. I bought the dog ramp because I live in the mountains where there is rough terrain, decomposing granite, dirt and mud, when it rains and snows. If you travel with your dogs into the […]
Millions of people around the world go through life with an illness or disability without the pleasure of experiencing something most people take for granted. For example, some deal with asthma, preventing them from participating in a marathon. Others are deaf preventing them from hearing the sweet sound of music, and some have an allergy […]
Each day thousands of new babies are born throughout the world, and from the start, we tell ourselves we’ll do everything in our power to keep that child safe. Well, this concept applies to not only humans, but pets as well. When they are adopted and brought into our home for the first time, it […]
When winter arrives, you feel it: a freezing cold, snowy, slushy season. One of the first things many people do is grab that $20 bag of salt at the nearest grocery store. In any given winter, we go through several bags of the clear pellets in hopes of reducing slips and falls by family members, […]
Who do you call if your municipal building (circa early 1900’s) is in need of a new ramp that needs to reach a height of over 12 feet, encompasses over 120 feet of actual ramp surface and meets all ADA requirements? Did I mention that this municipal building was located in Oregon requiring the ramp […]
With the Chicago winter slowly winding down, many residents are readying themselves for another season: graduation. Many people will have a son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter walking across the prestigious stage this coming spring, and because of the achievement, many families will bring their extended families in from around the area, or across state […]
Early this morning I received a call from a construction company located in Washington D.C. It was a previous customer calling about a ramp project. The ramp was a massive 95 foot ramp, one of the largest we have made here at Handi-Ramp. The customer recalled his great experience with Handi-Ramp me over the phone […]
I recently took a flight from Chicago to Las Vegas, and upon arriving at the airport, I met a couple who decided to go on an adventurous vacation to visit some old friends. Both were seasoned travelers and frequent visitors to Las Vegas. The wife was temporarily wheelchair-bound, due to the fact that she had […]
At Handi-Ramp, we’ve been making ramps that bring safety and security to our customers for over 54 years. We bring solutions to the accessibility, safety, and materials handling industries. Our job is to solve customer problems — We provide advice to make your material handling operations run smoother, create handicapped accessibility, or we make your […]
Treads – I leaned a new meaning of a very old word today. Officially, the dictionary lists the definition as “To tread on something, to walk on.” Reading on, I also leaned there are many types of “treads”, including a tire tread, shoe tread, and even the specific way a person walks. Then there are […]
Many times during the year, people with physical limitations travel and stay with family and friends and are often challenged with the lack of accessibility away from home. The solution might be buying a portable ramp, if the need will be frequent. The length of a portable ramp is often not long enough to surmount […]
I just got off the phone with a customer in Pittsburgh who had a “last minute emergency.” Rush delivery on a ramp? Not a problem! We’ve worked with many organizations who needed a ramp meeting ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. At Handi-Ramp we have ADA ramp experts available to expedite your last minute rush […]
During the summer of 2012, we received an e-mail inquiry to provide a wheelchair lift and platform for a gentleman suffering from the first stages of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. His wife, who initiated contact, was very pleased to find out that our company, Handi-Ramp, is based in the Chicago area. She was also thrilled […]
“How long does my wheelchair ramp have to be?” This is a question I am asked several times daily, and unfortunately there is not a simple answer. There are many different factors in determining the correct ramp size, including the rise (distance between the top stair and ground), space available for a ramp vs. space […]
Any disease can become disabling if you let it overcome you. I know someone who has multiple sclerosis. It hasn’t held her back. Another friend got sick at a young age, nearing the prime of her life. She had beautiful hand writing and still does, but after MS it was harder to control. She had […]
My Grandparents have lived in their house for over 50 years. Six months ago, my grandmother tripped and fell down the stairs while carrying laundry up to the bedroom. It was everyone’s worst nightmare, only now it was our reality. My mom and dad got the call around 8pm and there we were heading to […]
