Written by Hulet Smith, OT
In this day and age, the sight of an aluminum access ramp accompanying a set of stairs is so common it hardly warrants a second thought. It is a relatively new development, however, if you look at the history of disability advocacy in the United States. Not until 1990, and the passage of the American's With Disabilities Act (ADA) were access ramps mandated in public places.
In the past 30 odd years since the passage of the ADA, the demand for quality ramps for all sorts of needs has increased exponentially. It is no surprise, then, that EZ-ACCESS, one of the premier ramp manufacturers in the country, has its origin in the mid-1980’s-- right before portable wheelchair ramps expanded into homes and public spaces across the nation.
EZ-ACCESS is a family-run business operating out of two domestic distribution centers in Washington and Kentucky, respectively. Regardless of your specific mobility challenge or need, EZ-ACCESS has a ramp or lift that can get you and your loved ones from point A to point B in style.
 | EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY® 3G Modular Access System View Product |
Quite simply, having a full-sized, customized access ramp is the simplest way for people living with mobility limitations or disabilities to maneuver their wheelchair or rollator into their home. The advantage of having a modular ramp system is that it can be configured in numerous ways, depending on user needs.
That’s really all that modular means: customizable. The PATHWAY 3G by EZ-ACCESS is a great example of a modular system: it includes ramps, stairs, and platforms that can integrate into infinite configurations. Regardless of the desired set-up, making sure that the ramp is made of high-quality, durable materials is key. Aluminum is desirable because it is not susceptible to rust or rot of any kind. Another great feature is a non-permanent installation. Many ramps require concrete anchors, which is not a reversible modification.
One fantastic advantage of using RehabMart to plan for your new modular ramp is that home installation is available. By consulting the RehabMart team to plan and coordinate the installation of your ramp, you can rest assured that the job is done right.
 | SUITCASE Trifold Ramp by EZ ACCESS View Product |
Believe it or not, experts estimate that 90% of homes in the U.S. are not wheelchair accessible. Even one step can indicate an impassable hurdle for wheelchair users in certain situations. Even if you can fully outfit your home with proper accessibility ramps, there is a good chance you might still run into impediments somewhere else. One excellent solution to consider is a suitcase ramp.
A suitcase ramp is a portable, folding ramp that you can keep in your car or use for travel. By using lightweight aluminum manufacturing and a unique tri-fold design, EZ-ACCESS’s suitcase ramp is great in many situations. It can be used to provide a safe passage over ledges and stairs or to load into and out of an SUV or van safely.
When considering a suitcase trifold ramp, there are some key features to look out for. Again, aluminum construction is your friend so that the ramp will perform in any weather or environment. Slip-resistant surfaces are also a must.
 | TRANSITIONS Angled Entry Plate by EZ ACCESS Ramps View Product |
A threshold ramp is designed to help wheelchair users and people with other mobility limitations easily traverse uneven doorways, raised landings, and single steps. The best threshold ramp will always be the one that works for your specific situation. These smaller, more affordable ramps are perfect for interior use, as they don’t take up as much floor space as the modular ramps designed for outdoors.
The choice to bridge these small gaps or level changes in the home with short ramps is a wise one. In one study of older adults, respondents indicated feeling less fatigued, less likely to trip, and more comfortable when using ramps as opposed to using stairs in a similar situation. By reducing the likelihood of tripping, the possibility of a serious fall can be mitigated-- especially for seniors aiming to age-in-place.
EZ Access’ ‘TRANSITIONS’ entry plate is a versatile ramp particularly designed for doorway thresholds. With a weight rating of up to 700 pounds, this durable ramp can handle even larger mobility scooters. Of course, it also has the lightweight aluminum construction featured on other EZ Access ramps.
.jpg&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "GATEWAY 3G Solid Surface Portable Ramp by EZ-ACCESS") | GATEWAY 3G Solid Surface Portable Ramp by EZ-ACCESS View Product |
Many people rely on ramps every day to get into and out of their homes and around their favorite businesses. Stephanie Woodward, the Director of Advocacy for New York’s Center Disability Rights once compared the humble access ramp to a dependable boyfriend who will never leave us. If that’s the case, following the analogy, one would hope for a ramp that could pack up and move to a new town, if needed, and continue the relationship.
This is why there is also a need for intermediary solutions-- somewhere between the custom installation of a modular ramp and the mobility of a suitcase ramp is where you find ramps like EZ-Access’ Gateway 3G portable. This ramp has all of the durability and support of the PATHWAY model, only in a non-permanent design.
This type of wheelchair ramp is useful for small businesses or clinics because of its lightweight, all-purpose build. If you require a ramp that is tough enough for regular outdoor use but can be easily moved, the GATEWAY is available in multiple lengths.
 | EZ-BATHE Inflatable Body Washing Basin by EZ-ACCESS View Product |
Bathing is known to be therapeutic for people of all ages. For people living with mobility restrictions due to age or disability to enjoy a nice soak, some additional precautions usually need to be taken. Bathing in a traditional bathtub is a process that can involve a difficult transfer for wheelchair users-- and usually over a hard, tile floor.
An inflatable basin is one solution that can help people with disabilities get clean in the comfort of their own bed. This type of portable bathtub is actually pretty ingenious-- you simply have the user lay on top of it before it is inflated. After inflating the basin with the included two-gallon wet-dry vacuum-- it will form a tub around the user without the hassle of any transfer. From there, bathing activities can be performed by a caregiver.
This type of body washing solution is a win-win for hygiene -- it is easier for caretakers and users. This leads to better adherence and a less stressful time with bathing activities in general.
Being able to use the toilet independently is a major determinant of overall functional capacity in geriatric research. It is obviously an important task, but unfortunately, many standard toilets are not conducive to safe usage for older adults or people with disabilities. Part of the problem is that sitting on the toilet requires a coordinated complex movement of the lower body.
The motion of moving from sitting to standing, STS, is frequently trained by occupational therapists and is another important ability for seniors who want to age in place. A toilet lift assists with the STS movement by actually raising to meet the user and gently guiding them down to the seated position.
EZ-Access’ TILT lift can easily be installed over most standard toilet types. Plus, it can be remotely operated by the user, which is especially important for ensuring autonomy and dignity. Finally, it comes with a detachable plastic shield for enhanced hygiene and easy sanitation as needed.
.jpg&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "EZ-SHAMPOO Hair Washing Tray by EZ-ACCESS") | EZ-SHAMPOO Hair Washing Tray by EZ-ACCESS View Product |
If you have ever craned your neck back in a standard sink to have your hair shampooed, you will immediately understand the simple benefit that comes from having a proper hair washing tray or basin.
This product supports the neck of the user while also preventing water from splashing down their back. Basically, it is an ergonomically curved plastic tray that contours around the back of the user’s neck. The tray is angled downward and can be positioned directly against a sink for easy draining and cleanup.
One advantage for the caregiver is that this sort of basin eliminates the need for awkward or uncomfortable lifting or bending. The user can sit comfortably, slightly reclined, and resting against the comfortable rubber lining of the tray.
For almost as long as there have been people we have been using ramps to achieve great things. Ramps are believed to have been instrumental in moving materials to construct wonders such as Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
While EZ Access hasn’t been around quite that long, their 30 years of experience in the access ramp market has led to truly innovative and affordable solutions. For users who are ready to convert their home to have a more accessible entryway, a modular aluminum access ramp is ideal. For wheelchair or rollator users on the go, the suitcase trifold ramp is compact and stores away easily. Threshold ramps will be useful around the house, especially when moving between rooms, and temporary ramps are just that: temporary versions of the reliable modular access ramp.
In addition to ramps, EZ Access has a range of other products including lifts and bathing solutions. Whether you or a loved one are aging in place, or have limited mobility due to a disability, EZ Access has something that can help make your day a little easier. Take a look at all of our EZ Access Ramp Products!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
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