# Neighbors complain about wheelchair ramp in front of home. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 20, 2013, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682 "2013-08-20T01:32:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![runningdude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e9c0ed/32.png) [@runningdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/runningdude)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2013, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/281 "2013-08-25T17:49:09Z")
That looks like a mighty fine and sturdy ramp. I would be proud to have that in front of my house, and I have no special mobility needs. Based on the description the OP provided, I was expecting a makeshift and crumbling ramp that might have been hinder the daughter more than it helped, which is clearly not the case. The judge should fine the neighbors for harassment. ---
**Author:** ![2gigch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2gigch1/32/3313_2.png) [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2013, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/282 "2013-08-25T17:54:38Z")
Reading the back & forth, and I think **Ambivalid** or another first person observer could chime in, but as I empathize with the user I imagine the ramp would provide a feeling of control and normalcy while a lift would make me feel set apart. On a ramp I would control the ascent and decent with free will; upon the lift my disability is displayed by the act of loading, waiting for the machine to conduct operations (while I sit alone in the contraption), then continue on my way. If I were given options, this consideration would sway me heavily in favor of the ramp. * * * Regarding the original question of the thread I have no sympathy for anyone who would complain about a well built yet aesthetically inferior ramp. Given the incredible costs a disability has on a family, spending money to please neighbors doesn’t rise high on the list. That family has more to worry about than the property value crowd. The truly sad thing to see is the total lack of empathy people have for one another. I’d rather live near **PunditLisa** (post #143) and be a good neighbor and pitch in on the build. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2013, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/283 "2013-08-25T17:57:22Z")
> [@2gigch1](#): > > Reading the back & forth, and I think **Ambivalid** or another first person observer could chime in, but as I empathize with the user I imagine the ramp would provide a feeling of control and normalcy while a lift would make me feel set apart. > > On a ramp I would control the ascent and decent with free will; upon the lift my disability is displayed by the act of loading, waiting for the machine to conduct operations (while I sit alone in the contraption), then continue on my way. > > If I were given options, this consideration would sway me heavily in favor of the ramp. Very well put. You articulated my own feelings quite well. ---
**Author:** ![MoodIndigo1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@MoodIndigo1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MoodIndigo1)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2013, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/284 "2013-08-25T17:58:58Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > I am going to go against the grain here and say this family was full of themselves and didn’t take the feelings of their neighbors into consideration before going way overboard. They didn’t need to ruin the neighborhood with such a garish sight, [when all they needed was something cute like this.](http://disabledaccessdenied.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bullshit-ramp.jpg)🙂 Everybody wins. Thanks for the laugh, **Ambivalid**. The ramp looks perfectly fine and safe. Can’t say the same for the neighbours, either they are so selfish and superficial that they’re beyond redemption, or, to be charitable, they might have a few screws loose. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/285 "2013-08-26T03:12:50Z")
> [@ZenBeam](#): > > Poor baby. It’s totally not any of _your_ fault. well lets explore what you just said. I gave an opinion and defended that opinion with examples and my reasoning behind it. That was not met with reasoned discussion but rude sarcastic nonsense followed by complaints about my input. That’s a pile on. I did not complain about the input of others and returned sarcasm with the same wording flipped back on the person who gave it. None of this bothers me. I don’t care if someone disagrees with me. that’s how different perspectives are brought into the discussion. I do think it’s a bit odd to rain down derision and sarcasm and then complain when I respond to it. So no, it’s not my fault that I was piled on. I provided a simple premise based on a specific case and it didn’t require the falderal that followed. I never suggested lifts were God’s gift to humanity. I simply pointed out that for the money spent on that fairly unattractive concrete slab they could have purchased a lift that provided additional utility. If it were me I’d probably build a wood deck that matched up with the architecture of the house or put the ramp in the garage where everybody is out of the elements when using it. But that’s me. It would not require any new footers to add 30 feet of ramp to the garage and it would allow for a van with a lift to drop her right next to the ramp. All the area under that ramp becomes storage so little is lost in the garage. If their daughter is self mobile they could add a single panel hanger style garage door with a 36" door built into it. she would roll down the ramp and out the door onto the driveway. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/286 "2013-08-26T03:32:17Z")
So wait, you would build a ramp? ---
**Author:** ![Battle\_Pope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@Battle\_Pope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Battle_Pope)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/287 "2013-08-26T03:49:49Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > I like the lift idea, If anyone knows an eccentric Billionaise They could pay to have the family’s whole front yard dug up and replaced with a giant Aircraft carrier elevator, with billowing steam special effects and klaxon when operating. It would be sweet to have your whole lawn rise up to the door. 😉 Add a steam-catapult in the driveway so we can get the chair up to flying speed and I’ll chip in. _shotgun on the first ride though_ 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/288 "2013-08-26T03:55:03Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > So wait, you would build a ramp? Heeee!!! That’s it. I’m done. I’m done. I’m rolling on the floor. I don’t even know why it’s so funny. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/289 "2013-08-26T04:05:24Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > So wait, you would build a ramp? For the money I would build a wood ramp in place of the cement ramp. Absolutely. I’d also build it in the garage for the reasons given. And that would have been one of the options I would give to the people in question. But that all depends on what the criteria is. If it was [significantly higher up](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Wheelchair_Elevator_Outdoors.jpg) then a lift is pretty much the only choice. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/290 "2013-08-26T04:11:58Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I turned your own sarcasm back on you to show you what it sounded like to me. > > So it begs the question. Are you upset? Have you considered buying a ramp? 🙂 > > I thought I made my point pretty clear. They spent a great deal of money on a ramp. Given the amount they spent they could have gained additional utility by purchasing a lift. > > Now last time I checked, It isn’t a radical idea to post an opinion. It’s not a right or wrong situation and it doesn’t require a bunch of sarcasm in place of discussion. But I am truly surprised that people think the handicapped are locked into non-mechanical solutions to problems. Here’s a quick thought for you… How do you know the family doesn’t have a lift of some sort in the Garage? Perhaps they wanted more than one way to get out of the house and it didn’t make sense to get two lifts? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/291 "2013-08-26T04:18:01Z")
> [@bengangmo](#): > > Here’s a quick thought for you… > > How do you know the family doesn’t have a lift of some sort in the Garage? Perhaps they wanted more than one way to get out of the house and it didn’t make sense to get two lifts? wait what? are you saying there is a utility value to lifts? ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/292 "2013-08-26T05:09:59Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > wait what? are you saying there is a utility value to lifts? Say, “lift” again. I dare you!!! [I double dog dare you!](http://cdn.memegenerator.co/images/300x/4973557.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/293 "2013-08-26T05:21:08Z")
> [@Nzinga\_Seated](#): > > Say, “lift” again. I dare you!!! [I double dog dare you!](http://cdn.memegenerator.co/images/300x/4973557.jpg) [Found the perfect shirt for you.](http://www.zazzle.com/jesus_lifts_tees-235420542599240158) ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/294 "2013-08-26T05:25:13Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > wait what? are you saying there is a utility value to lifts? Of course there is… If I had to choose only one, I’d probably go for a ramp, but if I could afford both, why not put a lift in the garage (where its protected from the elements) and a ramp outside? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/295 "2013-08-26T05:45:50Z")
> [@bengangmo](#): > > Of course there is… > > If I had to choose only one, I’d probably go for a ramp, but if I could afford both, why not put a lift in the garage (where its protected from the elements) and a ramp outside? Why not put them both in the garage. Don’t have to add any footers for the ramp or for the “L” thing. ---
**Author:** ![Doggo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@Doggo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doggo)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/296 "2013-08-26T07:57:21Z")
> [@Enginerd](#): > > It didn’t go over my head at all - I think the engineering aspect of it went over yours. Many things have both (a) more utility and (b) more complexity than others. The point is that the more reliable, less complex option usually gets built first, as a backup measure in case the newfangled doohickey fails. _Then_ you install the fancy bits, but you still have the basic functionality even if the fancy bits shit the bed. > > You seem to be under the impression that the only possible failure is of power. What if it seizes and just won’t move? What if the freeze-thaw cycle in Colorado weakens the metal to the point that a critical piece breaks? What if corrosion from salted roads gums up the mechanics? What if windblown snow beneath the platform prevents it from going all the way down? What if it ices up and doesn’t move at all? None of these things is a problem with a ramp. > > The other thing that went over your head is that this family _chose_ the ramp. I suspect they might have a bit more experience than either of us with both choices, and I’m not going to second guess their decision. When I moved into a new house with my paraplegic ex, I built a ramp for her. I never even considered a lift because of the cost, not being able to make it myself and just outright reliability. BTW, in 4 years it required absolutely zero maintenance. Had the neighbours complained about it reducing their house values ( they didn’t ), I’d probably have made it as ugly as possible to spite them, and there wouldn’t have been a damn thing they could have done about it. ---
**Author:** ![Tequila\_Party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a6a055/32.png) [@Tequila\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tequila_Party)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/297 "2013-08-26T14:03:35Z")
> [@Nzinga\_Seated](#): > > Say, “lift” again. I dare you!!! [I double dog dare you!](http://cdn.memegenerator.co/images/300x/4973557.jpg) lift lift lift badger badger mushroom LIFT! ---
**Author:** ![grayhairedmomma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/47e85d/32.png) [@grayhairedmomma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grayhairedmomma)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/298 "2013-08-27T21:34:45Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Why not put them both in the garage. Don’t have to add any footers for the ramp or for the “L” thing. Because it’s better to have at least two possible routes of egress, even for someone in a wheelchair? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/299 "2013-08-28T01:54:56Z")
> [@grayhairedmomma](#): > > Because it’s better to have at least two possible routes of egress, even for someone in a wheelchair? Good reason. ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/300 "2013-08-28T14:48:56Z")
Christ, Magiver. Maybe these people evaluated their own needs and decided a ramp was the best bet? I just put in a wheelchair ramp in front of my house. I decided to go with cedar to match my red brick, and it looks pretty nice (my neighbors have actually stopped by to say it makes the house look better than the old drab concrete stairs) but if I had less funds available, I would have put a metal ramp on without hesitation. I need it. Putting it on the back of my house wouldn’t have been practical for layout reasons. A lift is far less practical for me for a lot of reasons: - I can walk, and can climb stairs _sometimes_, but not always. A ramp lets me feel confident that I can always get back in my home without assistance, even if I have a flareup of my disease or exert myself a lot a particular day. - Most of the lifts I’ve seen require transfer to a seat and back. Due to the specific symptoms I have, this is extremely difficult – standing from a sitting position is one of the hardest things for me. - Even if the lift lifted the whole chair, I don’t have a wheelchair I can push myself anyway, just an inexpensive transport chair. - Lifts can fail, leaving me stranded. I live alone. Not a pleasant prospect. - Ramps enable a lot more flexibility. As I’m improving, I may not always need it to get into my house (I have stairs by the garage). However, what about going grocery shopping? I can’t lift bags and use both my arms to climb the stairs (one on the rail, one on the cane). I bought a little wheelie cart so I can work towards getting my shopping inside up the ramp by myself. - Using a ramp is quicker and more efficient than waiting for a lift. - Using a ramp is better practice for the rest of the world, where ramps are common and lifts are rare. (I’ve never encountered a lift instead of a ramp except in a swimming pool scenario.) In short, lifts are inflexible and a lot less practical than ramps for my situation – and, I’d guess, a lot of situations. But really, can’t we just give the homeowner enough credit to make the right choice for themselves, their kid, their home, and their finances? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682.md?page=16)