Wheelchair Access & Evacuation Devices

Now that school is in session many administrators are dealing with new and returning students in wheelchairs as well as students with short-term needs. Whether it’s allowing a student to access all areas of the school or allowing first responders to quickly move a wheelchair user to safety from a multi-story facility there are many devices that feature designs that deliver handing confidence and maximize mobility. They follow fire safety requirement and emergency response guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. (These same issues can also apply to businesses with employees who are wheelchair users).

There are many assistive technology options for a variety of situations that can meet the needs of students, staff and families. The following is a list of some of the devices available and to help with deciding how to meet your needs. To assist in your decision I have included a link to the RESNA position paper on evacuation devices.

RESNA on evacuation devices: http://www.resna.org/news-events/standards-news/new-position-paper-use-emergency-stair-travel-devices-people-disabilities

Wheelchair lifts for buildings:

Bruno: http://www.bruno.com/store/vertical-platform-lift/

Freedom Lifts: https://freedomliftsystems.com/Commercial-Wheelchair-Lifts/wheelchair-lifts-for-churches-schools-stages?gclid=CjwKEAiA9uaxBRDYr4_hrtC3tW8SJAD6UU8GOWjLz7eBb8nbgbazQVpp6E7QkL7ljXVN3zwEkIa-mBoCJYnw_wcB

Handi-lift: http://www.handi-lift.com/

AmeriGlide: http://www.ameriglide.com/AmeriGlide-Stairlifts.htm?gclid=CjwKEAiA9uaxBRDYr4_hrtC3tW8SJAD6UU8GMrp4LtCV4by6nuBsDSF0mDctYv2ziDJm4-EB5RzHaBoCjlHw_wcB

Evacuation devices:

Evac Chair: http://www.evac-chair.com

Stryker: http://www.stryker.com/en-us/products/PatientHandlingEMSandEvacuationEquipment/EvacuationChairs/index.htm

Escape Mobility Company: http://escape-mobility-usa.com/?gclid=CIG_zN_59scCFYYRHwod0UkMjQ

Safety Chairs: Concept Development Associates, Inc.

Lifeslider: http://www.lifeslider.com/

These are just a few of the resources available. For a more complete list check out ABLEDATA at http://www.abledata.com/products?search_api_views_fulltext=wheelchair+lifts&field_product_status=All&items_per_page=20&=Search