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Devoted September 2018

How to accomodate dearest friend that uses a wheelchair

Sarah, on June 7, 2018 at 7:40 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 23

Eek! Posting here twice in one day, so sorry...

While FH and I were looking at venues, we tried to keep accessibility in mind... but apparently we made an mistake in one of our venue choices. Smiley sad

One of my good friends from high school uses a wheelchair, and I really want him to be there. He's always been there for me, and I him, and he means a lot to me. I sent him a STD, and I was so excited when he said he plans on being at my DW.

FH and I chose to use a historic home for our reception, and I could have sworn it had a ramp in the back of the house. Well, I called the owner of the home and he said there are no ramps!

The reception is in the courtyard area behind the home, but to get to a restroom there are 4 - 9 stairs no matter which direction you go. Nuts. This is completely my fault, and I'm so upset I just had to cry about it last night.

I looked into getting an accessible portable restroom today, but that costs over $1,000, which we can't afford, and I don't even know where we could put it since the space will be taken up by the band, dance floor and dining tables. So I am trying to find a solution but haven't a clue... are there any brides or grooms that use a wheelchair here that might help me brainstorm? Or what would you want me to do if you were my friend?

I am thinking about just approaching him about it but I'm not even sure what to say without coming across as a complete boob. If I could even change the venue at this point, I would, but I'm just about 3 months out. I'm so sad about this. Smiley sad

Please be kind. I already feel like an incredibly insensitive jerk.

23 Comments

Latest activity by Sarah, on August 2, 2020 at 12:33 PM
  • Mac2Bee
    Devoted September 2018
    Mac2Bee ·
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    Can you rent a portable ramp for the home for that day? The aluminum ones are pretty cheap to rent. I would talk to the venue and see if the entryway is 36" wide in order to accommodate the wheelchair (you don't want his chair messing up the walls or doorframe!) and find out what the rise is to the entryway. If it is just a small step or a couple stairs, a rental aluminum shouldn't be an issue at all.

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  • Heather
    Super April 2019
    Heather ·
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    Please don’t feel like a jerk. My younger sister is wheelchair bound and sometimes things still just don’t click into my head. I would ask owner about wheelchair accessibility for bathroom and see what he says. Honestly I don’t know much about what the ada says but I know everywhere is supposed to be accessible and I’m sure stairs aren’t considered so but don’t quote me as I’m not well versed
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  • KiwiDerbyBride
    VIP May 2015
    KiwiDerbyBride ·
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    This. It should be much cheaper to rent a small portable ramp than a restroom. I have no idea where you’d go to get one, but I’m in Australia - Google should be able to help you out.

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  • Victoria
    Just Said Yes April 2019
    Victoria ·
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    My brother is in a wheelchair and we have a small aluminum one like the pp said. We have one that folds right up. we have had to use it to get into vacation homes and such and it works great! Def worth looking into.
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  • Mac2Bee
    Devoted September 2018
    Mac2Bee ·
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    Here is a link to AMRamp that does single day rental

    http://m.amramp.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amramp.com%2Frent-or-buy&width=412

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  • Kiersten
    Expert February 2018
    Kiersten ·
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    They make portable, fold up ramps that go over stairs. My cousin and aunt are wheelchair bound, they keep one in both of their cars.

    That may be a solution.
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  • Amarriedmann
    Expert June 2019
    Amarriedmann ·
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    Thank you for this info. Something we may need in the future. What a wonderful service!
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  • FirstTimeMOB
    October 2018
    FirstTimeMOB ·
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    While looking in to an adjustable ramp, be sure to contact the venue to see if they will permit that to be used. I'm sure there are insurance considerations and they may not be prepared to accept the liability if there is an issue with the ramp.

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  • Shanee and Brian
    Expert July 2018
    Shanee and Brian ·
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    Can you ask the venue to make it handicap accessible for you? Here in California, they kinda have to do those things... by law. I don't know what it's like in your state, but this sounds like the venue's fault, not yours.

    If not, then I'd just get some strong plywood and make a ramp. Forget the potty, that's too much.
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  • Soon2Bemrsb
    Savvy October 2019
    Soon2Bemrsb ·
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    I have no suggestions beyond what others have said, but it is incredibly kind of you to go above and beyond for your friend. I wish more people would!
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  • S
    Devoted September 2018
    Sarah ·
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    Oh my gosh - thank you SO much for sending me this link!

    I’ve been concerned about damaging the existing stairs (of course we had to sign that we would be liable for any damage to the home), but that’s something I can ask the rental company about.

    And I’ve been his friend for so long and I know doors have to be a certain width - just didn’t know how wide exactly, so thanks for that info too!

    Next step - ask the owner about width of the bathroom door...

    Thank you so much Mac2Bee - this means a lot to me and I’m hoping it works out.
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  • S
    Devoted September 2018
    Sarah ·
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    Thanks Victoria!
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  • S
    Devoted September 2018
    Sarah ·
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    Thanks Kiersten!
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  • S
    Devoted September 2018
    Sarah ·
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    Yeah, this is a good point. The owner’s already mentioned that we are liable for any damage and seems to be focused on protecting his property - understandably so. I’m just hoping beyond hope he’ll permit something like this.
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  • S
    Devoted September 2018
    Sarah ·
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    I would LOVE to do that Shanee and Brian - unfortunately, there is a clause in ADA regulation that historic sites are exempt from the requirements to be accessible. Some stupid thing about “preserving the historic appearance”. Smh Smiley sad
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  • S
    Devoted September 2018
    Sarah ·
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    Thanks, but I’m only trying to do what’s right and fix this.
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  • Tammy
    Super October 2018
    Tammy ·
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    What about making a make shift ramp out of a piece of plywood? We've had to do that before (we've also carried said friend but I doubt we'd carry her in such a formal setting)


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  • K
    Expert October 2020
    Katie ·
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    My FH is in a wheelchair. If the venue is historical then they are not required to have it ADA approved. The bathroom inside may not even be accessible if there is a ramp. Talk to your friend and see what he thinks. I know that my FH can go longer periods than a normal individual without having to use the restroom so that may also be an option for him.

    If if it were my FH that was invited, he would want you to contact him and explain the situation and give him the option. Every person in a wheelchair is different and has different capabilities.
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  • K
    Expert October 2020
    Katie ·
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    It’s not just the width of the door but also the size of the bathroom. There is a lot more that goes into than just getting into the bathroom.
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  • J
    Master 0000
    Judith ·
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    Depending on how may stairs height, you may be able to rent a ramp more easily than a portable potty, which will not be accessible to many who use wheelchairs. Easiest is for outside doors, since you have more room for a ramp. Think of the ones movers use. My work does an annual picnic where there are 2 5 step stairways in the path from buildings to waterfront . And another 4 I to the building. And every year we rent ramps about 12-16 ft total, as well as a boardwalk in sections over loose sand, to the water. Relatively inexpensive rental .
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