Outside Your Homeperson in wheelchair using ramp to access the front door of a house

Adapting the access points to your home can make it easier to get in and out and will support people who have mobility issues.

It may be possible to obtain funding for home access adaptations and improvements, depending on level of disability and requirements.

Read more about the Disabled Facilities Grant here.

Ramps And Rails

Ramps and rails can make access to your home much easier, particularly if you are a wheelchair user, use a walking aid or have poor mobility. It is worth contacting your local Council, as most will offer help with this (it may be subject to a means test). Even if you are not eligible for the council funding, they may have a service that can arrange this for you and ensure the work is done correctly.

What are the rules and regulations in my town regarding the installation of a ramp?

Most cities in the UK tightly manage the rules and regulations regarding zoned building access for those with disabilities. Most ramps are required to have a careful design with very specific minimum widths and maximum slopes. The correct measurements and requirements of a properly constructed disabled ramp are as follows:

  • The maximum slope for hand-propelled disabled access ramps should be 1″ of rise to every 12″ of length while the maximum slope for power chairs should be 1.5″ rise to 12″ length.
  • The minimum width inside the ramps rails should accommodate the standard width of wheelchairs which is 36″ (However as some wheelchairs can be extra wide, 48″ is ideal).
  • The surface of the ramp, also referred to as the deck, should be built with side-rails so that users are protected from slipping off the edge of the ramp.
  • A level platform of at least 5’ X 5’ should be built at the top of the ramp to allow for wheelchair or the manoeuvring a disabled individual might need.
  • The end of the deck (where it meets the ground level) should provide a smooth transition from the ramp to the ground.
  • Every building that includes disability access should provide 2 other accessible exits in case of emergency.
  • Surfaces of ramps should be slip resistant when wet.