Wheelchair Ramps Built by Volunteer Local Students

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 school students volunteering to build ramps for the disabled

And we see it in our own back yard here in Chicagoland Illinois at DesPlaines High school.

Recently, students at a high school in suburban Chicago took part in their Building Trades program sponsored by the school. The Building Trades program promotes apprenticeship of the trades, a centerpiece of the American economy. Since its inception in 2006, the program has built 20 ramps for the community, with a local organization supplying the tools and lumber.

Wheelchair ramps in need of repair

Sadly some of the earlier ramps built have begun to show signs of wear including warping wood, especially near the bottom where the ramp touches the ground. Wooden ramps typically last about 5-7 years. After that time a more permanent solution is needed. Or at the very least finding ways to extend the life of a wooden ramp.

Handi-Ramp can help with finding a cost-effective wheelchair ramp solution.

In the case of many wooden ramps we see a 2” gap between the end of the ramp and the sidewalk. In these cases we immediately suggest a threshold ramp that will fit flush up against the ramp. A threshold ramp also provides a custom lip for easy transition between the two ramps, wooden and threshold.

Threshold ramps for wheelchair use indoor and outside

The threshold ramp suggested was made of 100% aluminum, which is both inexpensive and weather resistant, proving worry-free use even in the worst weather. Nearly every customer who has a wooden ramp orders a threshold ramp same day, receives it the very next day, and has it installed immediately.

The threshold ramp looks great on the wooden ramp!

To order your threshold ramp, or to see how well it works with wheelchairs, please call our ramp experts at (800) 876-7267 or visit us online.