For a patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the T6 level and needing a ramp for wheelchair access, what is the recommended length of the ramp?

In the context of accessibility for individuals with a complete spinal cord injury at the T6 vertebral level, it is important to adhere to the recommendations laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for wheelchair ramps. The standard slope is typically 1:12, meaning for every inch of vertical rise, there should be at least 12 inches (1 foot) of ramp run.

For a patient with a complete spinal cord injury, the maximum acceptable height for a ramp without requiring additional support or rest areas is about 30 inches. This translates to a recommended length of 360 inches or 30 feet for a vertical rise of 30 inches (30 inches times 12 inches). However, none of the options provided corresponds to this standard.

If we consider specific heights associated with the question's answer choices, the length of 252 inches (21 feet) would be a suitable choice for a less steep incline, accommodating a higher ramp rise. A ramp that is less than the ideal length may pose challenges for someone utilizing a wheelchair due to the increased difficulty in navigating a steeper slope, which can lead to safety and accessibility issues.

Thus, 252 inches (21 feet) is the most appropriate answer for creating a functional, accessible