Most of us take for granted the myriad of activities we perform on a daily basis – walking, running, and climbing stairs, among others. But for those who face physical challenges on a daily basis, the most commonplace of activities can be either difficult or impossible. For those who are wheelchair bound, climbing stairs is simply out of the question and a variety of accommodations must be relied upon on a daily basis. While ramps and elevators are standard in most public buildings today, there often still exists the necessity for further equipment to help in the management in stairs. In many cases, a vertical wheelchair lift can serve an enormous benefit for those who are physically challenged.
A vertical chairlift is either electric or hydraulic powered and allows those in a wheelchair to stay in their wheelchair while being elevated to a higher level. A vertical chairlift can be used in a variety of situations, including in the event of an elevated front porch of a home, a stage in an auditorium, or the interior of older public buildings where elevators are too small to handle a wheelchair. In fact, many older buildings – in an effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines – choose to install a vertical wheelchair lift rather than a ramp due to its logistical advantages.
There are several different models of the vertical wheelchair lift; the enclosed model includes a platform on which the wheelchair can sit and around which walls enclose the area before elevation begins. This is especially useful in outdoor areas where changing weather conditions can compromise safety. The shaftway vertical wheelchair lift model fits within walls much like an elevator and can be used in both public buildings and residential homes. The STAAGE model includes only a platform and is often used for shorter elevations such as raising a wheelchair to the height of a platform or handicapped accessible vehicle. An OPAL vertical wheelchair lift resembles an enclosed model with walls on either side but does not feature a “ceiling” enclosure.
A vertical wheelchair lift can mean a life of independence and activity for those who are physically challenged. Whether it’s installed in the interior of a home or put to use in a public building as a service to its guests, a vertical wheelchair lift can bring transformation to many people’s lives.