R*A*M*P in Action

Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Associations' Residential Accessibility Modification Program (R*A*M*P) designs, builds and coordinates financing for access improvements to members' homes (Read a testimonal from Thomas Hodne, EPVA's Associate Executive Director of Accessibility Services).

WHO:
Benny Watson

WHAT:
Installation of a vertical platform left with a new exterior entrance door and sidelight.

WHERE:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

WHEN:
May 1998

WHY:
Watson lives in an attached house with two inaccessible entrances. Due to severe site constrictions, it was impossible to design a ramp to access either entrance. A ramp would have been too long to fit the site.

HOW:
The Watsons originally contacted EPVA through our Philadelphia office. The modifications were funded through the Residential Accessibility Modification Program (R*A*M*P). It was my job to conduct a site visit, develop accessibility plans, and produce construction drawings. Robert Toole, a service officer in the Philadelphia office, was instrumental in, among other things, negotiating with the VA to acquire the lift through prosthetics. The contractor chosen to complete the work was David Marcus Elite Design and Construction, Inc. Marc Kaman was the construction foreman.

THE WORK:
Because the primary parking space is at the rear of the Watson home under an existing deck, we decided to install a lift that would travel from the pavement to the deck level-a difference of 82inches. Once Watson is at deck level, he can enter his home through a new door. We had to remove a section of the deck to accommodate the platform lift. We reframed this area and created a "hoist-way", made of plywood walls, for safety. To support the weight of the deck, the lift, and two passengers, we poured a concrete slab with the integrated footings. Pipe bollards were incorporated into the slab to protect the lift from automobile damage. Working with the Watsons was a pleasure. They understood that the only way to achieve independent wheelchair access was to sacrifice a section of their wood deck. Their open-mindedness was essential to the success of the project.

EPVA's Architectural program has been preparing designs and drawings for accessibility improvements at our members' homes since 1975.

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