Steps require a person to have a minimum amount of joint mobility, strength, endurance, and balance.  Impairments with one or all of these can make steps a barrier or a safety issue.  Ramps are not always the best solution.  People using bilateral axillary or lofstrand crutches often times prefer steps over a ramp.  
Ways to overcome these barriers and minimize the safety issues:
  • Wood or aluminum ramps temporary or permanent
  • long tread low riser steps (Walker Steps)
  • Adding Upper Extremity Support
  • Earth berm with a concrete or asphalt ramp surface
  • Vertical lifts
Additional issues to considere are whether there is adequate lighting or a non-slip surface?  Also, can there be water, ice and/or snow build up on the steps/ramp/lift?  The size and location of the entrance landing affects whether a person  can easily enter or exit the home especially when the door swings out into that area.

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Zero Step entrances and exits
Harvest Construction LLC