Building a Ramp for the Dalai Lama: A Home Access Company's Unique Challenge

Published in Home Modifications on September 11, 2024

It’s not every day a company receives a special request from a global spiritual leader. Premier Medical Equipment was tasked with an extraordinary project: constructing a modular wheelchair ramp for none other than the Dalai Lama.

The request came from a local contractor who needed a ramp with a nine-foot rise, a daunting task given the height and stringent safety requirements.

The Initial Call and Challenges

The project began with a call from a contractor requesting a ramp for a dignitary. At first, the details were unclear, but it quickly became evident that the ramp was for the Dali Lama. The ramp was needed to provide access to a monastery in Ithaca, New York, after the Dalai Lama had undergone surgery in New York City. The team at Premier Medical Equipment faced several logistical challenges, including ensuring the safety of their workers and structural integrity of the ramp.

Overcoming Obstacles

Safety concerns arose when one of Premier Medical Equipment’s technicians was recently injured, raising questions about how to build such a tall ramp safely. Mike Januszka, the President of Premier Medical Equipment, consulted with his wife and lead technicians to devise a plan that would ensure the safety of everyone involved. The team collaborated with architects and engineers to ensure the ramp met all safety standards. They also secured the necessary materials and additional braces to support the structure. 

The Construction Process

The final ramp, measuring 108 feet in length with seven platforms, was installed over two days. The team navigated cultural sensitivities, such as removing their shoes when entering the monastery. The contractor added vertical fencing on the higher sections of the ramp for additional safety.

The construction process involved several key steps:

• Planning and Design: Premier Medical Equipment created a detailed plan and design for the ramp, taking into consideration the nine-foot rise and limited space available (30 feet by 30 feet). They worked closely with the contractor to finalize the layout and ensure all requirements were met.
• Material Procurement: Securing the right materials, including the modular ramp components and additional braces, was crucial to the project’s success. 
• Safety Measures: Safety was a top priority given the height of the ramp. Premier Medical Equipment’s team members consulted with architects and engineers to ensure the ramp’s structural integrity. They also had to get approvals from code enforcement and ensure compliance with all safety regulations. 
• Installation: The team had to carefully assemble the ramp, ensuring each section was securely in place. Throughout the installation, the team had to respect the cultural practices of the monastery, such as removing their shoes when entering.
• Final Adjustments and Approval: After the ramp was installed, the contractor made final adjustments. The architect, engineer, and code enforcement then inspected and approved the ramp.

A Successful Installation

The ramp was successfully installed, and the Dalai Lama was able to use it to access the monastery. Although Premier Medical Equipment was not allowed to post pictures of the installation on social media, the contractor later shared images of the ramp and the Dalai Lama at the monastery, highlighting the project’s success.

This project not only showcased the company’s ability to handle unique and challenging requests but also underscored the importance of adaptability, safety, and cultural sensitivity in their work. VGM Live at Home is proud to have Premier Medical Equipment as part of something bigger!