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Instant Wheelchair Ramps

Clean the Sky - Positive Eco Trends & Breakthroughs

The Convertible Staircase Makes Even the Steepest of Steps Handicapable

— December 3, 2012 — Life-Stages
The Convertible Staircase is a conceptual design that needs to be made a reality as soon as possible. Created by Chan Wen Jie, the Convertible Staircase is meant to make stairs instantly accessible to those in wheelchairs. The stairs lie flat on top of normal stairs and can instantly be flattened into a ramp.

The Convertible Staircase's ability to instantly become a wheelchair ramp is nice, but the design also offers benefits to those who have lost the use of their legs. Jie's creation makes it easier for the elderly and the injured to climb stairs by adding grip to each step. With the average lifespan in the U.S. increasing seemingly ever year, it's more than likely that the demand for products such as the Convertible Staircase will skyrocket.
Trend Themes
1. Instant Accessibility Solutions - The concept of instantly transforming stairs into wheelchair ramps presents opportunities for developing innovative accessibility products.
2. Enhanced Mobility Technologies - The incorporation of grip and accessibility features into everyday structures like stairs creates potential for disruptive innovations within mobility aid industries.
3. Aging-in-place Solutions - With the increasing elderly population, there is a significant opportunity for industries to develop products that assist aging individuals to maintain independence and accessibility in their own homes.
Industry Implications
1. Accessibility Products - The development of instant wheelchair ramps opens up new opportunities for businesses operating in the accessibility products industry.
2. Mobility Aid Manufacturing - The innovative design of the Convertible Staircase suggests potential for disruptive advancements in the mobility aid manufacturing sector.
3. Home Modification Services - As more individuals aim to age-in-place, the demand for home modification services that cater to the accessibility needs of elderly and injured individuals will see noteworthy growth.
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