Question: Our Church has started its new building and has included a ramp for the stage area (as required) but this 11 m ramp will create issues in the hall area - where kids play, kids programs are conducted, etc. What other methods of providing access to a stage area can we provide - i.e. open lift, wheel chair raiser similar to taxis, etc. - that is more cost effective, practical and convenient, but still meet the regulations?

Thank You,

Neville

Answer: A vertical platform lift would be an alternative to a wheelchair ramp. It sounds like a portable model might be worth considering - several manufacturers (Ascension, Ameriglide, Adaptive Engineering, Garavneta, National Wheel-O-Vator, ThyssenKrupp Access) make portable lifts designed for providing access to stages and similar raised areas. The most obvious benefit with these lifts is that they can also be wheeled out of the way when they’re not needed. It’s important though to familiarize yourselves both with the requirements of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and with local regulations, to make sure that your church makes the right choice.