ComputerHunter.org

 

Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps


Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairments

Curb ramps are designed to provide access to people who use wheeled forms of mobility. Without curb ramps, people who use wheelchairs would not be able to independently access the sidewalk and street. However, not all wheelchairs perform the same on a curb ramp. Common types of wheeled mobility devices include manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as powered scooters. Each type of technology will benefit from different aspects of the curb ramp design. For example, most powered mobility devices are maneuverable in small spaces due to their short wheelbase. Scooters have a longer wheelbase but have manual steering, and most can perform a three-point turn in tight spaces. Manual wheelchairs can turn on their own wheelbase but are difficult to steer on a cross slope as they tend to turn downhill.

For many people with mobility impairments, curb ramps are not critical to access. In fact, in some situations curb ramps make it more difficult for some people with mobility impairments to navigate. Crutches and canes are sized to fit the individual user so that the energy required for ambulation is minimized on a hard, level surface. Use of these types of walking aids is more difficult on sloped surfaces such as curb ramps. Cane, walker, or crutch users must lower their body forward when going downhill. On uphill slopes, the cane or crutch must be lifted higher and placed on the surface. The user must have the strength to lift his or her body up over the supporting device. Widening the crosswalk to allow people to use either the curb or the curb ramp will enhance access for cane and crutch users who are not comfortable traveling on a sloped surface.

Nicole Thomas offers wheel chair tips and advice at:
http://www.wheelchairtips.com







Google News - Top Stories

Seattle Post Intelligencer

Nadal-Federer epic the most thrilling of all the Wimbledon finals ...
ESPN - 2 hours ago
By Ravi Ubha Sunday's Wimbledon final was one of those times when you call a buddy immediately after the match ends and say, "Did you see that?
SIDEBAR: Wimbledon's Heart of Darkness bothers Federer Monsters and Critics.com
Nadal-Federer marathon was a classic USA Today
Tennis-X.com - The Associated Press - The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com - Ireland Online
all 468 news articles


Times Online

Cooler weather helps crews battle Calif wildfire
The Associated Press - 1 hour ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Firefighters on Sunday took advantage of cooler, damper weather to battle a vast blaze ravaging Santa Barbara County as they tried to gain a foothold against the fire before the expected return of hotter, drier conditions.
Video: Governor Visits So Cal Command Center kcratv
California Weather May Give Respite Against Wildfires (Update1) Bloomberg
RedOrbit - WZTV - Los Angeles Times - Monsters and Critics.com
all 3,419 news articles


BBC News

US denounces Pakistan Red Mosque bombing
AFP - 49 minutes ago
TOYAKO, Japan (AFP) - The White House on Monday denounced a suicide bombing that killed 15 people in Pakistan, calling it a "needless act of violence" and vowing to help the US ally fight "this common enemy.
Video: Suicide Bombing In Islamabad CBS
Bomber Near Pakistani Mosque Kills at Least 11 New York Times
guardian.co.uk - Times Online - Reuters - The Associated Press
all 941 news articles


Washington Post

McCain's campaign accuses Obama of shifting on Iraq
CNN - 4 hours ago
(CNN) -- Sen. John McCain's campaign said Sunday that Barack Obama's remarks on Iraq "have left a significant question as to exactly what he intends.
Kerry says McCain lacks judgment to be president The Associated Press
Obama Iraq shift focus of Sunday shows Baltimore Sun
Capital News 9 - Huffington Post - Wall Street Journal Blogs - FOXNews
all 491 news articles


Boston Globe

Forecasters Warn Bertha to get Bigger, Could Become Season’s First ...
FOXNews - 5 hours ago
MIAMI - Tropical Storm Bertha is approaching warmer waters and is likely to strengthen during the next couple of days. At 5 am Eastern time today, Bertha was centered about 1310 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands in the Caribbean.
Sharp northwest turn appears likely for Bertha Palm Beach Post
Bertha likely to be first hurricane of 2008 Poughkeepsie Journal
The Associated Press - Tampa Bay's 10 - Washington Post - Bradenton Herald
all 722 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base