PVC Ramp

Uses

• Use this fun tool for learners who are non-ambulatory and/or cannot throw or roll a ball.
• This tool allows the learner to roll a ball toward a desired target, if unable to independently throw toward it.
• This also serves as a great opportunity to practice the skill of pushing.
• Use to practice bowling, rolling and other target-aiming skills used with a ball.
• Lay the top of the ramp on the learner's lap for practice, or create a standing ramp. ("See Modifications of Equipment" below")
• Visit This Link to see this original equipment idea.

Construction Materials

• At least 6 ft of 1-inch PVC pipe
• 2 - 90 degree PVC elbows
• 2 - PVC straight connectors (connects two straight pieces)
• 4 - 45 degree PVC elbows
• PVC cement and primer
• Tape

Instructions for Construction

LAP-RESTING RAMP

1. Purchase the following PVC connections:
   • 2 - 90 degree elbows
   • 4 - 45 degree elbows
   • 2 - straight connectors
2. Cut or purchase PVC into the following lengths:
   • 1 - 4-6 inch piece (depends on the size of the ball you're rolling)
   • 2 - 8 inch pieces
   • 2 - 10 inch pieces
   • 4 - 18 inch pieces
3. Connect a 10 in. piece of PVC to one of the 90 degree elbows.
4. Connect a 45 degree elbow on the opposite side of that piece.
5. Connect an 18 in. piece of PVC to the other end of the 45 degree elbow.
6. Connect a straight connector to the end of the 18 in. piece.
7. Connect another 18 in. piece of PVC to the other end of that straight connector.
8. Connect a 45 degree elbow to the end of that 18 in. piece of PVC.
9. Connect an 8 in. piece of PVC to the opposite end of that 45 degree elbow.
10. Repeat steps 3-9 to create the other side of the ramp.
11. Connect the two 90 degree elbows with the 4-6 in. piece of PVC.
12. Tape around the edge of the elbows and connectors to create a more gradual slope for the ball to roll over.
13. Tape under the final two 8 in. pieces on the floor to hold the two sides of the ramp together at the bottom. Do NOT tape on the top of the PVC becuase this will stop the ball from rolling or throw it off course.
    • Glue the PVC and elbows/connectors together when assembling.

STANDING RAMP:

1. Purchase the following PVC connections:
   • 4 - 90 degree elbows
   • 4 - 45 degree elbows
   • 2 - straight connectors
   • 2 - Tee socket connectors
2. Cut or purchase PVC into the following lengths:
   • 1 - 4-6 inch piece (depends on the size of the ball you're rolling)
   • 4 - 8 inch pieces
   • 2 - 10 inch pieces
   • 4 - 18 inch pieces
   • extra 4 feet of 1-inch PVC pipe to create the base that supports the ramp.
3. Grab a 10 in. piece of PVC
4. Complete steps 4-13 lited above under "Lap Resting Lamp", skipping step 11.
5. Connect a "Tee Socket Connector" on each end of the 4-6 in. piece of PVC at the top of the ramp.
   • Hold "Tee Socket Connector" in your hand so it is shaped like the letter "T". Connect the PVC to the "Top Line" of each side of the letter, leaving the hole on the base of the stem, open.
6. Connect an 8 in. piece of PVC on the opposite end of each of the "Tee Socket Connectors".
7. Connect a 90 degree elbow to the end of each of the 8 in. pieces, facing the the open end straight down to the floor.
8. Add a pre-determined length piece of PVC. Hold the ramp up so the 8 inch pieces at the bottom are flat on the floor, measure the distance from the opening of the 90 degree elbow to the floor. Add one inch to this length, becuase an inch of the piece will go up inside the elbow.
9. Cut two pieces of PVC at the measured length and connect to the 90 degree elbows.
10. Add a 90 degree elbow to the bottom of each of those pieces, facing the openings toward eachother.
11. Measure the distance between the two 90 degree elbows. Add 2 inches.
12. Cut a piece of PVC at this length and conect.
13. Tape around the edge of the elbows and connectors to create a more gradual slope for the ball to roll over.

• Glue the PVC and elbows/connectors together when assembling.

Modifications of Equipment

• Add colors and designs to the ramp to make it unique and fun to the learner.
• Do NOT use PVC cement when connecting pieces, if you ever need to change the dimensions of the ramp, solely rely on the tape that surrounds the connections.
• Tape will work fine if you don't wish to spend the extra money on the primer and cement.
• Popsicle sticks can be taped near the connections to save tape, when creating a more gradual slope for the ball to roll over.
• Duct Tape or Electric tape are the best options, if available.