Inclined Platform Lifts meet the spirit of the ADA in ways that no other solution can. Ramps are rarely the right choice. In some cases verticals can meet the spirit of the ADA, but often don't. It's how you design the project that makes all of the difference.

Inclined Platform Lifts - the Top Choice

With an Inclined Platform Lift, the person using it can travel the exact same path that everyone else does. This means that a grandfather can ride the lift, holding the hands of his grandchildren as the walk up the stairs with him. A bride in a wheelchair can exit the church after her wedding side-by-side with her new husband. And just as importantly to your clients, a disabled person isn't going to turn around and leave a place of business because the accessibility "solution" is poorly executed.

Even when the stairs are not very wide, an inclined is often a superior choice. Egress concerns are overcome with a whole aresenal of features that make inclines a safe, code-compliant option.

Vertical Platform Lifts - if Properly Designed

Vertical Platform Lifts can be a good solution, but often are poorly designed. Granted, in the past verticals were big, ugly, noisy boxes (that looked like a cheap refridgerator). Architects, as a result, shoved them in the back of the building where nobody could see the monstrosities. And, as a result, nobody used them. Besides not meeting the spirit of the ADA, this "solution" cost business owners money, and has smeared "accessibility" into meaning a bunch of money on something nobody will use.

Well Designed Genesis Enclosure
at the Longmont Dental Building

But now, Garaventa has redefined design flexibility with their Vertical Platform Lifts. With attractive design options, you can now proudly design a vertical where it belongs: right next to the stairs. And, design it to meet the ADA with options such as super-quiet hydraulic drive and clear plexiglass panels, and now a disable person can feel and be a part of the surroundings.

Whether you are thinking of an inclined or vertical lift, Freedom Lifts is always available to help design the project. We know you're on a budget and have limited time, so put our experience and expertise on your team. We almost always can offer solution ideas that have been missed. e-mail us or call us anytime.

How an Inclined Meets ADA Better

• An inclined platform lift lets the disabled population travel the exact same path that everyone else travels.
• Inclined lifts let the disable person travel with, and even hold the hand of their loved one while going up the stairs.
• A well-designed lift lets the disable person travel up stairs without assistance.

How an Inclined is Better for Your Customer

• Inclined lifts give your customer more floor and wall space to use for more productive purposes.
• Inclines have a more subtle visual impact than a vertical.
• Inclines prevent the disabled community from leaving a building due to poorly implemented vertical solutions.

Checklist for Making a Vertical Meet ADA Better

• A vertical should be equipped with the quieter, faster hydraulic drive.
• A vertical should be as close to the stairs as possible.
• A vertical should have a see-through enclosure.
• When possible, a vertical should be keyless operated.
• When appropriate, a vertical should have a short enclosure at the top landing.