Many businesses these days are considering wheelchair lifts and other options to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The ADA legislation meant to protect those with physical limitations creates standards for public access of buildings. Also, there is a trend toward providing more of this kind of access not just in businesses, but in home building and other areas of national life.

Sometimes a business wants to get staff members more information about how platform wheelchair lifts or other models are used in the commercial world. The Internet can come in handy, with lots of content about how lifts for wheelchair use are used and installed and providing a variety of training and info resources, like:

1. Training links to training materials from either advocacy organizations, public works or transit agencies, or other sources.

2. Tutorials, info pages and guides to wheelchair lift tools, from selecting a model to operation and installation.

3. More tips and info on lift for wheelchair models public web forums.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for training programs and materials for wheelchair lifts

Readers can get linked up with agencies or parties offering training resources over the web; from public organizations to advocacy groups, many venues will help with instructing workers on how to use these tools to accommodate those with physical limitations.

I recommend: Look for training from state transit programs like the Arkansas Transit Department on using wheelchair lifts and other devices for assisting passengers under ADA policy. Find more power wheelchair lifts training at sites like the ADA Training Resource Center.

Locate wheelchair lifts info pages online

There are also a lot of info pages, guides and authored articles about manual or electric wheelchair lifts and related gear -- don't neglect these for learning more ADA policy and the most efficient way to get the tools on site or the right style of wheelchair lift for a business space.

I recommend: Find info articles on wheelchair lift devices at WheelChair Lift: "Your Complete Resource," an online info site for this kind of device. Get more electric wheelchair lift articles and info at The WheelChair Site.

Get more on wheelchair lifts from public web forums

Forums can be a great place for learning more about wheelchair lifts: users can post about ADA policy, methods for trouble-free wheelchair lift installation, and how these tools are commonly used, as well as any other applicable topics.

I recommend: Find discussions on wheel chair lifts and accessibility at public places in the forums at DIS Boards. Find more advocacy for individuals with disabilities and posts on wheelchair lifts at ALS Forums.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Any kind of wheelchair lifts education and training should be multi-faceted and include not only proper operation (and installation if applicable) but specific liabilities, responsibilities under ADA regulation, and more, to be completely effective for the workplace.

Wheelchair lifts make your workplace more accessible, benefiting customers and employees and helping you meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines. If your business has a raised front door or stage area it's important to allow easy access to these places by installing a wheelchair lift. If space is a factor, you can even use a portable wheelchair lift and store it when it's not in use.

You'll want to be able to accommodate any visitors or employees who can't easily get up the stairs on their own. This encourages business visits and could help an injured or disabled employee function in case of an accident. If you're thinking about installing a wheelchair lift, take these steps:

1.Decide which type of wheelchair lift you need.

2.Measure the places you plan to install your wheelchair lifts.

3.Order your lift online or at a local dealer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a wheelchair lift that fits your company's intended use

There are many different types of lifts available, from electric wheelchair lifts to platform wheelchair lifts. Decide which one will suit your space, budget and needs. For smaller organizations or those on a budget, buying one portable wheelchair lift may be cheaper than buying several permanent ones.

I recommend: Visit Universal Accessibility or Handi-Ramp to select a wheelchair lift type from the many available. Both websites list features and product sizes on their selections.

Get price quotes from several wheelchair lift suppliers

Compare prices at leading retailers and commercial suppliers to find the lowest cost of your chosen type of lift. Look for sales and other ways to save. In many cases, you will have to contact the supplier directly for a quote. Remember, there's no such thing as a free wheelchair lift, but there are often deals available that make purchasing a lift for wheelchair-type vehicles easy for every budget.

I recommend: Use Planet Mobility or Ascension to obtain price information on a lift for wheelchair-type vehicles or to compare discounts.

Schedule the delivery and installation of your electric wheelchair lift

Be sure to allot enough time to make alterations if necessary and assign someone to oversee the installation process of lifts for wheelchair-type vehicles. Make sure someone who can sign any paperwork needed is available. Wheelchair lift-type installations often require an extended period of time to set up and test, so it's best to leave a day open in case any problems occur.

I recommend: Check out AmeriGlide and Acessible Environments, Inc. to learn about shipping and installation options on lifts for wheelchair-type vehicles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For tight spaces or those with very specialized needs you may need to purchase a custom wheelchair lift. These are available from many retailers, who can provide the kind of installation and construction needed. For the best price, ask several companies what a custom installation for your office would cost.

Wheelchair lifts raise and lower wheelchairs vertically, in an elevator-type motion. These lifts are durable and easy to use. Wheelchair lifts are used in many areas of business where there is limited room and ramps are impractical. There are many terms and phrases in the industry that could confuse new buyers. Understanding these wheelchair lifts key terms, such as "machine tower" and "platform lifts," allows you to save time when searching for a wheelchair lift.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Platform wheelchair lift

A platform wheelchair lift is a flat surface that raises and lowers to provide vertical movement for wheelchairs. Platform wheelchair lifts can be front- or side-loading and are made for both vehicles and buildings.

I recommend: Visit Mobility Advisor to find more information about platform wheelchair lifts.

Portable wheelchair lift

A Portable wheelchair lift is a platform lift that can be moved around to allow access to different areas. Portable lifts can be used on vehicles or in buildings. These lifts are available in electric and manual models.

I recommend: Read more information about how a portable wheelchair lift works at Ascension.

Stair wheelchair lift

A stair wheelchair lift is a platform or chair that carries a person up a flight of stairs. Stair lifts are mounted on a railing system that is attached to the wall of the stairwell. These lifts are available in electric- and battery-powered models.

I recommend: Find more information about a stair wheelchair lift at ThyssenKrupp Access.

Mobile or vehicle wheelchair lift

A mobile or vehicle wheelchair lift is a lift mounted to or on a vehicle. These lifts fold up to store when not in use, and securely hold the wheelchair on the back of a car or van. These lifts are available in manual and electric models.

I recommend: Visit ArticleSnatch.com to read more about mobile and vehicle wheelchair lifts.

Machine tower

A machine tower for a wheelchair lift is the casing or tower in which the controls and motor are housed. These towers are mounted on the side of the lift and are normally the height of the wheelchair lift.

I recommend: Design News supplies information to help you understand the ins and outs of machine towers.

Split platform wheelchair lift

A split platform wheelchair lift is a lift that allows the platform to separate into two pieces for easier storage. These lifts are electric and fold together automatically at the push of a button.

I recommend: Read more about split platform wheelchair lifts at Handicap Vehicle Specialists.

Wheelchair lifts installation and maintenance prolongs the life and enhances performance of the equipment for many disabled people. Consider installing wheelchair lifts in homes, schools, businesses and public buildings so people have easier access to facilities.

Technicians can install a wheelchair lift in a home so a disabled person can move upstairs independently. Other types of lifts for wheelchair movement are available so disabled people can more easily move into a van for transportation to shops, medical facilities and other venues of their choice. Disabled people can obtain a lift for wheelchair movement into and out of the trunk of their car.

1. Although it is difficult to find a free wheelchair lift, thrift shops and second hand stores often have wheelchair lifts at reduced prices.

2. People who want to move their wheelchair with their vehicle will find a wheelchair lift for outside or inside the trunk of the car.

3. A portable wheelchair lift is valuable for schools and other institutions with disabled students.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase portable wheelchair lifts for flexible use with disabled people

Engineers design buildings to accommodate disabled people, but certain circumstances require wheelchair lifts in buildings without the most modern amenities. Some buildings constructed before many of the current laws do not have facilities for the disabled. Schools, businesses and government buildings without appropriate accommodations can use portable wheelchair lifts to accommodate students, faculty and customers.

I recommend: Ascension provides portable, platform wheelchair lifts technicians can install to accommodate disabled people. Acme Home Elevators explains their installation procedures.

Install power wheelchair lifts for disabled friends and family

A wheelchair can be a cumbersome piece of machinery, so one can become tired or frustrated when lifting a wheelchair in and out of a car or van. Power wheelchair lifts are available to place a wheelchair in a vehicle. Other power wheelchair lifts are available for convenience inside or outside of the home.

I recommend: SpinLife has installation information on the many power lifts they carry. Home Care Suppliers also displays information, and a video, on installing wheelchair lifts to help disabled people.

Maintain wheelchair lifts to continue active lifestyles

Brilliant engineers and designers have produced many products to help people with temporary or permanent disabilities. Consumers should take care to maintain the wheelchair lifts for a van to make sure there is no interruption in their activities. The available products have advantages and disadvantages that could make substantive differences in the life of a disabled person, but these are not helpful if they are not kept in good conditions.

I recommend: The Braun Corporation has tips for maintaining the products. Kansas University Transportation Center provides maintenance tips to keep equipment in working condition.