Image: iStockphoto.com/Phil Cardamone
About This Quiz
The American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 dramatically changed our legal attitudes toward the physically challenged. Among the laws enacted was the requirement for wheelchair accessibility at many public facilities and businesses, mostly by way of wheelchair ramps. Do you know how to build one of these ramps to ADA specifications? Take our quiz, and learn more about how to build a proper wheelchair ramp.
What is the primary function of a wheelchair ramp?
A wheelchair ramp is a structure designed to provide the physically challenged with easier access to buildings and facilities.
A wheelchair ramp is designed to give people who cannot comfortably climb stairs easier access to a building or facility.
A wheelchair ramp is a mechanical device that lifts a wheelchair onto a public transportation vehicle.
A wheelchair ramp is a place to store a wheelchair in an automobile.
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Which of these congressional acts paved the way for wheelchair ramp standards?
the Civil Rights Act of 1964
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 focused on preventing discrimination against the physically challenged, and on ways of meeting their day to day needs. Among other things it required that certain businesses and facilities be readily accessible to the disabled.
The Patriot Act of 2001
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To what kinds of locations does the ADA apply?
public facilities
ADA laws apply to public locations only, although the guidelines help inform the way everyone builds wheelchair ramps.
private homes
all locations with stairs
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The ADA requires that wheelchair ramps be at least how wide?
24 inches
36 inches
To operate a standard wheelchair you need to have your arms at your sides, therefore the ramp must be at least 36 inches (91cm) wide.
48 inches
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Besides the ramp that allows the wheelchair to climb vertically, a ramp must also have what?
a protective border
A wheelchair ramp must have some kind of protective border that prevents the user from falling off the sides of the ramp.
a secondary ramp
a handicapped sign
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The landings at the top and bottom of a wheelchair ramp must be at least how long?
36 inches
48 inches
60 inches
To allow for lateral maneuverability once the wheelchair is again parallel with the ground, a ramp must have landings that are at least 60 inches long.
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A ramp with a horizontal projection of more than 72 inches must have which of these?
handrails
Ramps will be used not only by people in wheelchairs, but by people using crutches and other walking devices. Handrails, therefore, are required for all ramps that project more than 6 feet.
a handicapped sign
a distinct color
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Which of these statements best defines the slope ratio of a ramp?
The slope ratio compares the height of the ramp with the height of an average wheelchair.
The slope ratio compares the relationship between the height of the ramp and the angle of the ramp.
Slope ratio indicates the relationship (ratio) between the slope of the ramp and the vertical distance a user will traverse.
The slope ratio indicates the speed at which an average wheelchair user can traverse the ramp.
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If you multiply the slope ratio by the height of the ramp you will determine which of these?
the ramp's length
The length of a ramp is the product of the height of the ramp and the slope of the ramp.
the ramp's width
the ramp's cost
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According to the ADA, the acceptable range of a ramp's slope is what?
between 1:5 and 1:10
between 1:16 and 1:20
A slope of 1:15 or lower is quite steep. It would pose a challenge to climb with crutches or by wheelchair, and might cause a wheelchair to move too quickly while descending. The ADA recommends a slope ratio between 1:16 and 1:20.
between 1:35 and 1:50
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The surface of a wheelchair ramp must have which of the following?
It must have arrows that indicate direction of traffic flow.
It must have a slip-resistant material.
For safety reasons, a wheelchair ramp must have a slip-resistant surface, such as one covered with grit strips.
It must have wheelchair tracks.
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One of the advantages of using concrete to build a wheelchair ramp is what?
You can brush a slip-proof surface into it.
By brushing wet concrete you can produce a permanent slip-proof surface.
Concrete is inexpensive.
The beauty of concrete can't be denied.
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The main disadvantage to using concrete is which of these?
It's expensive.
The main deterrent to building a ramp out of concrete is that it's very expensive.
It's hard to use.
It's ugly.
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What is the main disadvantage to building a ramp out of wood?
time
aesthetics
maintenance costs
It may cost less to build a ramp out of wood, but there will be ongoing maintenance costs.
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When building a ramp out of wood, you must use what size lumber?
2-by-4
2-by-6
To handle the weight of an electric wheelchair, you should build wooden ramps out of 2-by-6 (5cm by 15cm) lumber, rather than 2-by-4.
2-by-8
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When building a ramp out of wood you must make sure to do which of these?
Paint it.
Treat and varnish it.
You must treat and varnish all wood to prevent rotting, warping, and splinters.
Brace it
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Which of these is the best metal to use for building a ramp?
galvanized steel
Use galvanized steel to make sure your ramp doesn't get rusty and corroded.
aluminum foil
brass
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Why shouldn’t you use nails to attach wooden sections of a ramp?
Nails are more expensive than screws.
Nails don't always remain in place.
Nails sometimes work their way back out of wood, which can injure the user of the ramp, or damage a wheelchair.
Nails are more difficult to use than screws.
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Why should you leave some space between the wood boards of a ramp?
You must leave room for water to drain.
If water collects on the surface of the ramp, the ramp will become slippery. For the safety of the users, you must leave enough space between the boards for water to drain.
You want to reduce the amount of wood you have to buy.
You must leave sufficient room to be able to pry out a board if it rots.
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The final section of a ramp will have which of the following?
a carefully painted border
a sharp corner
a beveled transition
A beveled transition will help the wheelchair get back to a parallel position without the chair getting stuck on a sharp corner.
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You Got:
/20
iStockphoto.com/Phil Cardamone
