# 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:** 9
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/161 "2013-08-21T06:54:34Z")
> [@Darth\_Nader](#): > > If a lift breaks down halfway, aren’t you prettty much fucked? Um, no, it’s not a mine shaft. It’s 2 feet. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/162 "2013-08-21T07:13:31Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Who were the persons who bought a house with such a high first floor rise? This was a new plat of houses built for the homeowners. Maybe they didn’t care about how high the first floor was because of the existence of ramps. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/163 "2013-08-21T07:31:24Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > Maybe they didn’t care about how high the first floor was because of the existence of ramps. Maybe I missed something but there wasn’t a ramp built with the house. The whole thing was an afterthought. Could be wrong. Seems a better idea to build the house to spec instead of fixing it after the fact. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/164 "2013-08-21T07:38:59Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > The worst was a bar that I went to one time that featured a fully accessible handicap restroom _upstairs_ from the main bar, with the only available means to get to that restroom was to go up the stairs themselves. To make matters even _more_ ridiculous, as I was filling out a complaint to be left for the owner, a man who identified himself as the daytime manager (he was sitting at the bar and it was nighttime) told me that they _did_ have an elevator, but it was only for employee use. However, he told me, he would let me use it “this one time”. > > So a bar with a handicap-accessible restroom upstairs, with a perfectly usable elevator available for the disabled customers to use, instead makes those customers be subject to being physically lifted and carried in their chairs up the stairs by multiple security guards. :smack:😕 All because that elevator is the “service only” elevator and off-limits for customers. WTF. Wow. That has got to be one of the dumbest systems I’ve ever heard of. It sounds like a fire hazard waiting to happen as well, not to mention potential injury for the security guards. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/165 "2013-08-21T10:30:15Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > But how is this “not taking care of their own property”? My comments have strayed from being specifically about this ramp to being about whether or not it’s anyone’s “business” what a neighboring property looks like. I don’t have any problem with this particular ramp, though the style is not exactly in sync with residential design. It is something you might see at a library, but homes aren’t styled like libraries, so it stands out. The homeowners are planting in front of the ramp to soften the concrete block feel, which will make it blend in better. The only other reasonable choice for a ramp is a wooden design, which would have a more residential feel, but require maintenance to keep it from falling into disrepair. A wood design would still be highly visible, it’s not entirely clear to me that it is a more aesthetically pleasing choice, especially after the planting beds have had time to mature. ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/166 "2013-08-21T11:05:02Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Wow, I was expecting some sort of ramshackle pile of rubble. That is a great looking ramp! > > I’d rather buy a house next to/across from that than most of the shitty, overgrown, weed-infested yards in my neighborhood (and I don’t hardly mind weed-infested yards). Yeah, I was expecting a shitty piece of wood haphazardly laid over some steps or something. It looks fine. Sure, maybe a bit are-you-sure-this-isn’t-a-public-school utilitarian with the railing, but not bad enough to complain about unless you were the one buying the house. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/167 "2013-08-21T11:28:26Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Maybe I missed something but there wasn’t a ramp built with the house. The whole thing was an afterthought. Could be wrong. Seems a better idea to build the house to spec instead of fixing it after the fact. Wow, it’s unfortunate that they didn’t have a real estate and accessibility expert like you to consult when they made decisions about their own house. ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/168 "2013-08-21T13:18:26Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Um, no, it’s not a mine shaft. It’s 2 feet. And wheelchair users can easily hop down two feet, of course. ---
**Author:** ![bartleby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bartleby/32/10491_2.png) [@bartleby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bartleby)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/169 "2013-08-21T14:28:43Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > chair lifts are DC powered specifically so they work if the power goes out. Unless you’re using it like a Ferris Wheel it’s going to be there for you. There is a huge advantage to a lift over a ramp. The person in the chair will be able to use it without assistance. A ramp is difficult to use for those pushing the chair and the person in the chair trying to negotiate it uphill. The lift isn’t a hazard with ice like a ramp is. Oh really, so next time my power goes out and I can’t use my lift, I can call you to help lift my teenage son up and down the stairs? ---
**Author:** ![bartleby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bartleby/32/10491_2.png) [@bartleby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bartleby)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/170 "2013-08-21T14:31:24Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Maybe I missed something but there wasn’t a ramp built with the house. The whole thing was an afterthought. Could be wrong. Seems a better idea to build the house to spec instead of fixing it after the fact. Yes, of course! Why didn’t I think of that! We should have HAD A BRAND NEW HOUSE BUILT. How silly and un-forward thinking of us to not have a vast store of cash with which to hire an architect and bulid a house that is exactly what we will need years down the line! ---
**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 21, 2013, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/171 "2013-08-21T15:36:57Z")
Any other helpful advice for families of disabled people? I am thinking - Forget about unsightly lifts and ramps- just have the butler do the lifting. - Save on trips out by installing a home bowling ally and movie theater. You won’t need to go back in if you don’t have to go out! - In a pinch, you can use a pony to get up a difficult stairway. Make sure to build the stables near the front door. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/172 "2013-08-21T16:20:24Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Wow. That has got to be one of the dumbest systems I’ve ever heard of. It sounds like a fire hazard waiting to happen as well, not to mention potential injury for the security guards. Yeah, I remember when Ambivalid posted that story once before. I ran into much the same situation 2ish years ago when I had a broken foot and was alternating between a cane and a knee scooter. We were in the Cheers restaurant at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The bathroom was downstairs. A confused-looking employee said something to the effect of “um, I think there’s one a few doors down” (i.e. outside the restaurant, in another part of the shopping area). I managed the stairs. Ambivalid (or anyone else) could not have. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/173 "2013-08-21T16:24:27Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > If they sued and I was on the jury I would award the family all legal expenses and then find out if I can assess punitive damages against the plaintiffs. Who are obvious assholes. This. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/174 "2013-08-21T16:29:18Z")
I like the pony idea, but of course she’d need a lift to get on the pony. Since it’s not safe to be on horseback inside the stable, the lift would need to be outside. Only problem is, if she went anywhere there’s no guarantee there’d be a pony-to-ground lift there. I recommend a cart instead, which can have its own ramp. Like [this](http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200244924_200244924) Add some wheelchair tie-downs and she’s good to go! :). Or even better, just hook the chair itself up to the pony. No ramp problems at all then, just rig up a quick-release hitch! ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/175 "2013-08-21T17:00:44Z")
> [@bartleby](#): > > Yes, of course! Why didn’t I think of that! > > We should have HAD A BRAND NEW HOUSE BUILT. > > How silly and un-forward thinking of us to not have a vast store of cash with which to hire an architect and bulid a house that is exactly what we will need years down the line! That was indeed the situation. It was a new housing development. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/176 "2013-08-21T17:03:29Z")
> [@bartleby](#): > > Oh really, so next time my power goes out and I can’t use my lift, I can call you to help lift my teenage son up and down the stairs? The lift I linked to was designed as stated. So if you own one of these then yes, you can operate it if the power fails just like any other device designed with power backup. If you don’t have such a lift then you can, I don’t know, use a generator? Are you really going to tell me it’s necessary or safer to drag someone up a ramp in the winter? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/177 "2013-08-21T17:08:23Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Are you really going to tell me it’s necessary or safer to drag someone up a ramp in the winter? No, the disabled person is rolled up in a wheelchair. Why would they take her outa the chair and drag her up? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/178 "2013-08-21T17:15:40Z")
> [@Silvorange](#): > > And wheelchair users can easily hop down two feet, of course. Easily would depend on the person. Do you walk everywhere because your car might break down in a bad area at night stranding you? The child in this instance is assisted by her parents. The benefits of a lift outweigh a ramp on a daily basis and the outdoor units are designed with power backup. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/179 "2013-08-21T17:26:44Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > No, the disabled person is rolled up in a wheelchair. Why would they take her outa the chair and drag her up? Why would the person be rolled up in a wheelchair. Shouldn’t they be sitting in it? ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2013, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682/180 "2013-08-21T22:32:48Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Easily would depend on the person. Do you walk everywhere because your car might break down in a bad area at night stranding you? > > The child in this instance is assisted by her parents. The benefits of a lift outweigh a ramp on a daily basis and the outdoor units are designed with power backup. Plenty of parents would have trouble getting a teenager and her wheelchair up/down a couple of feet. I’ve done a lot of pushing, pulling, and lifting of people and their wheelchairs. I would have a ramp on my house over a lift. I have had one, in fact. If my car breaks down, I can still walk. If a wheelchair lift stops working, there’s no easy way to get the wheelchair user in and out of the house. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbors-complain-about-wheelchair-ramp-in-front-of-home/666682.md?page=10)