Accessible Ramp Retrofit Prioritization Planner
Determine required ramp lengths, volunteer build days, and material budgets for multiple entrances so that community spaces can schedule accessibility retrofits responsibly.
Why Communities Need a Ramp Prioritization Tool
Accessible infrastructure is the foundation of inclusive public life. Yet many community-owned buildings, mutual aid hubs, and volunteer-run cultural spaces rely on ad hoc ramps that do not meet slope guidelines, lack landings, or were never budgeted for replacement. Volunteer crews often juggle multiple entrances, limited budgets, and the need to keep services open during construction. This calculator translates accessibility requirements into actionable schedules and dollar amounts. Rather than estimating from memory or relying on commercial design software, teams can enter a few measurable inputs—number of entrances, average rise, slope policy, crew capacity, productivity, and costs—to generate a retrofit roadmap that honors disability justice.
The interface mirrors other planning tools on this site, such as the community emergency childcare capacity and stipend planner and the tool library maintenance rotation planner, making it easy to integrate accessibility alongside other resilience projects. The calculator speaks to both campaign organizers and facilities volunteers, offering results they can bring to board meetings, grant proposals, or neighborhood fundraising drives.
How Ramp Length and Scheduling Are Calculated
A compliant ramp depends on rise, slope, and landings. If the vertical rise is 24 inches and the maximum slope ratio is 1:12, the ramp run must be at least 24 × 12 = 288 inches, or 24 feet. Additional length is needed for landings, usually 5 to 6 feet at the top and bottom. The calculator multiplies the rise by the slope ratio to get run in inches, divides by 12 to convert to feet, and then adds the landing length you specify. That produces the total linear footage per entrance. Multiplying by the number of entrances yields the total build length.
Construction scheduling turns on crew productivity. If volunteers can build 12 linear feet per crew-day with a five-person crew, a 30-foot ramp requires 2.5 crew-days. For multiple entrances, the tool divides total footage by productivity, resulting in total crew-days. A secondary calculation converts crew-days into calendar days by considering available crews per day; for simplicity the tool assumes one crew works per day, but the crew size input ensures productivity reflects collective effort.
The core length formula is expressed as:
where is the rise in inches, is the slope ratio (run per inch of rise), and represents landing length in feet. Multiplying by the number of entrances gives total linear footage. Cost estimates are straightforward: cost per foot times total length. Budget gaps or surpluses fall out of comparing that total with the allocated retrofit budget.
The script also checks for compliance cues. If the slope ratio is below 12 (steeper than 1:12), it warns you that slope may not meet ADA guidance, encouraging reconsideration. It similarly notes if crew productivity appears unrealistic by bounding inputs to positive values. The result block summarizes total ramp length, crew-days, estimated cost, and whether funding is sufficient, all rendered in accessible language for quick sharing.
Worked Example
Consider a neighborhood cooperative that stewards three storefronts in the same block: a free store, a cultural center, and a legal clinic. Each entrance has a 24-inch rise from sidewalk to interior floor. Volunteers adhere to a 1:12 slope and add 6 feet of landing for maneuvering space. Five volunteers are available per build day, and they can collectively frame and deck roughly 12 linear feet per day. The team has budgeted $18,000 from grants and mutual aid contributions, and they estimate $110 per linear foot for lumber, hardware, anti-slip surfaces, and labor stipends.
Entering those numbers, the calculator shows each ramp requires 24 feet of run plus 6 feet of landings, totaling 30 feet. Across three entrances, that is 90 feet of ramp. At $110 per foot, materials and stipends will cost $9,900, leaving $8,100 in the budget—enough to cover railings, lighting, or contingency repairs uncovered during demolition. Productivity-wise, 90 feet divided by 12 feet per crew-day equals 7.5 crew-days. With weekend-only work, the crew can schedule four Saturdays and four Sundays, completing all ramps in four weeks while keeping at least one entrance open at a time. The result summary also notes the slope check is compliant.
Scenario Comparison Table
The table below compares alternative strategies the same cooperative might consider if they acquire additional entrances or face tighter budgets.
| Scenario | Entrances | Rise (inches) | Total length | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline retrofit | 3 | 24 | 90 ft | $9,900 |
| Historic building wing | 2 | 30 | 78 ft | $8,580 |
| Expanded campus | 5 | 18 | 120 ft | $13,200 |
This comparison highlights how even modest changes in rise produce significant length differences. A higher rise on fewer entrances can cost nearly as much as lower rises across a larger number of doors. These insights support advocacy when negotiating with landlords or applying for grants: organizers can demonstrate precise cost implications of slope compliance, landing requirements, and volunteer productivity.
Integrating with Other Planning Tools
Accessibility upgrades are part of a broader set of resilience commitments. Budget data from the mutual aid fund runway calculator can signal whether recurring donations can sustain ongoing maintenance. Scheduling insights from the neighborhood microtransit driver rotation planner help coordinate volunteer rides for disabled community members while construction is underway. Meanwhile, the community land trust resale equity balancer offers a framework for structuring accessibility clauses in ground leases, ensuring ramps remain part of long-term affordability commitments.
Limitations and Assumptions
The calculator assumes each entrance shares similar rise and landing needs. In reality, specific doorways may require switchbacks, turning platforms, or wider landings to meet local codes. It also treats productivity as linear, yet weather, volunteer experience, and supply delays can reduce output. Material costs fluctuate quickly; the price per foot should be updated whenever lumber markets shift or when crews choose composite decking. The tool does not automatically account for permitting fees, inspections, or contractor labor if volunteers are not available. Furthermore, it assumes slopes are consistent, but ADA guidelines may require even gentler slopes depending on use cases. Always consult with accessibility consultants, building inspectors, and disabled residents before finalizing plans.
Practical Tips for Using the Results
Treat the output as both a planning document and a storytelling tool. When presenting the timeline to stakeholders, emphasize the number of crew-days required so that volunteers can commit shifts early. Use the budget gap or surplus figure to drive fundraising appeals, connecting dollars raised to specific lengths of ramp built. Consider pairing ramp projects with other improvements like automatic door openers or braille signage to maximize accessibility impact while construction teams are onsite. Document each retrofit phase, including photos and lessons learned, so that future crews can replicate successful methods on other buildings.
Most importantly, center disabled leadership in decision-making. The calculator delivers numerical clarity, but the lived experience of wheelchair users, elders, caregivers, and delivery workers should guide prioritization. By combining quantitative planning with participatory design, community spaces can deliver ramps that are safe, welcoming, and maintained for the long haul.