A Critical Analysis of the Usability and Design of Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps

Abstract

A common method to improve accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users is the widespread use of ramps. Ramps for handicapped access are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA has specific guidelines for many aspects of ramp design. Although these specifications detail ramp requirements, they do not necessarily guarantee that a ramp will be trouble-free for users. A recent study that evaluated how wheelchair users perceive differences in slope and cross slope revealed design problems for modular aluminum ramps. The purpose of this paper is to identify aluminum ramp design issues that resulted in usability difficulties for wheelchair users in that study. When designing an environment, it is critical that the wide range of users test it. This paper demonstrates that attempting to provide greater accessibility in one area may create new barriers in another.

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