Accessibility News

Accessibility News

Terms to Know

Rise - Rise is the vertical distance from the ground (where you enter the ramp at ground level) to where you want the top of the ramp to be. (see the image below)

Ramp Rise


Slope - The Slope is the "steepness" of the ramp. This is usually expressed as 2 numbers that show the relationship between the Rise and the length of the ramp. For example, a slope of 1:12 means that for every inch of total rise, there needs to be 12 inches of ramp length. So a rise of 4" would need a 4ft ramp to achieve a 1:12 slope. (see the images below)

Ramp Slope

A 1:12 slope is good for an unassisted person in a wheelchair. If there will always be a qualified helper available to push the wheelchair up the ramp, a slope of 2:12 could be used. Steeper is cheaper!


ADA - The "American's with Disabilities Act" is a set of government guidelines that define the standard methods of making buildings and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. For wheelchair ramps, the main requirements are the slope (1:12), the width of the ramp (36"), the size and placement of landings, and the size and placement of handrails. The actual guidelines can be accessed here: ADA Accessibility Guidelines

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