Benefits Of Portable Wheelchair Lifts

When a portable ramp is too short and a lift is only necessary for a temporary period of time, portable wheelchair lifts are definitely an option. With ease of maneuvering, formal occasions are no longer reserved for the able-bodied. Portable lifts are an affordable answer to older buildings without total wheelchair access.

Realistically, portable wheelchair lifts are not a practical solution to home access problems. Although the lift can be compressed to fit through a 3-foot doorway, storage is going to be a problem. However, for public facilities like schools, colleges, and civic centers a portable lift can solve problems during programs or graduations. Consider the following example:

“Peter” has lived with cerebral palsy since birth. Although he is confined to a wheelchair, his intellectual capabilities are perfectly normal. Nevertheless, his physical restrictions also meant often sitting on the sidelines, instead of actively participating in school plays, concerts, or band. Access to the auditorium stage for performances is extremely difficult. Three or four friends are required to carry him up the stairs to the stage. With his weight, combined with the weight of his chair, lifting is very difficult for his friends, even when he uses his manual wheelchair. To avoid becoming a spectacle and imposing on his friends, “Peter” does not participate in extra-curricular activities, and he sits wishfully in the audiences during the performances.

“Peter” has learned to cope with his limitations. However, graduation is approaching, and it sure would be nice to ascend the stage without disrupting his friends’ own graduation experiences. What now?

Cognizant of “Peter’s” desire for independence and dignity, the school decided to purchase a portable wheelchair lift. On wheels, the hydraulic lift can be easily rolled to a stage or platform. Once the disabled individual reaches the stage, the lift can be rolled to the side, out of the way of the audience and other participants. Now, “Peter”, and others in similar situations can try out for plays and participate in special occasion without feeling like an imposition.

Although the above scenario is a total fabrication, the situation is all too real for many physically disabled children and adults. In answer to the problem, companies like Ascension sell products like the VIRTUOSO. To further explore the possibility of granting wheelchair access in public buildings, read the following specifications, and visit Ascension at http://www.wheelchairlift.com/wheelchair_lift_introduction.htm.

• The Ascension VIRTUOSO is the only ADA compliant portable wheelchair lift in the world that does not require a ramp or machine tower.
• Ascension portable wheelchair lifts are specifically designed to be portable. Most other “portable” lifts are really fixed lifts (i.e., meant to be permanently installed) that have been modified with some type of wheel undercarriage; they have not been redesigned to facilitate movement of the lift.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO lift does not have a machine tower as part of its construction. Other portable lifts use a machine tower to house the drive mechanism. This tower typically exceeds 72" in height, which obstructs the line of sight to stage activities and draws unnecessary attention to the lift and passenger.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO lift employs multiple safety devices specifically designed to accommodate the portabilitf the lift. These include a safety skirting that completely encloses the underside of the lift, gate interlock, a GFCI to shut off power in the event of a partial or complete short circuit or current overload, and a setup system that will only allow the lift to operate if the wheels are in their proper storage position.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO lift is covered by a standard 10-year drive train warranty. This is a strong indicator of a portable lift’s expected durability and performance.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO portable wheelchair lift uses an electro-hydraulic mechanism to raise the passenger platform; this mechanism evenly supports the platform on both sides of the lift for maximum stability.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO lift is also extremely quiet. It will not interrupt a performance or draw unnecessary attention to the passenger.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO lift appeals to the comfort and dignity of the passenger by providing transparent sidewalls and gates on the plataform. It is unobtrusive to an audience and gives the passenger a clear view of the surroundings. Children will also find the Ascension lift non-threatening and easy to use.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO lift has an automatic dock plate to accommodate the passenger’s transition between the car and surface of the stage. This plate also enables the Ascension lift to be used in front of stages with protrusions (e.g. architectural decorations), uneven surfaces, or stages with a curved fascia.
• The Ascension VIRTUOSO features on-site compression if relocation through a 36” doorway is required.

Next article: Wheelchair Platform Lifts