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Accessibility Enhancements at the Davis Rodeo Ranch

The Davis Rodeo Ranch is the proud training facility of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Coach for the team known as the Carolina Cowboys. Located in Archdale, North Carolina, the Davis Rodeo Ranch is owned by the 1995 PRCA World Bull Riding Champion, Jerome Davis. When thrown from a bull in 1998, Jerome suffered paralysis from the chest down. Living life in a wheelchair after the injury has never held Jerome back. He has continued to be a force in the bull-riding world and coaches the Carolina Cowboys. Recently, EZ-ACCESS® and Penrod Medical Equipment helped make the Davis Rodeo Ranch more accessible through custom-built commercial ramps.

Enhancing Accessibility at the Davis Rodeo Ranch

Modifications to the existing facility would improve Jerome’s ability to easily get around for the numerous tasks he handles on a given day. Adding access solutions would also benefit visitors, especially for events. EZ-ACCESS crafted custom platforms and ramps to be installed throughout the ranch, providing a degree of inclusivity for all kinds of mobility. Our PATHWAY® HD Modular Access System components were tailored to the precise needs of the ranch. Our US-based manufacturing and distribution facilities provided the perfect place for the EZ-ACCESS team to craft platforms and ramps that would fit perfectly within the layout of the facility.

After the pieces were fabricated, EZ-ACCESS and Penrod Medical Equipment came together to deliver and install the components of the modular access system. The aluminum platforms provide a smooth, level surface for Jerome’s wheelchair, allowing smooth navigation around the ring. As he coaches the team, he can easily move around the space without the barriers a dirt ground can present to a mobility device. The platforms were designed to provide enough height to make it easy for Jerome to see into the ring, improving visualization for his coaching duties. The aluminum decking was also designed with a slip-resistant surface, perfect for gripping wheels or shoes against unwanted movement.

The project included the installation of a long, angled commercial access ramp with a gentle slope to provide direct access to the platform. Handrails along the ramp and the platform create additional stability for users while providing a safety barrier against falls. The aluminum material that is used to build the majority of the modular access system will easily withstand heavy traffic and exposure to weather. As a nod to the ranch and its partnership with PBR, the final product even included specialized images on the surfaces: both the PBR and Davis Rodeo Ranch logos.

Accessibility Matters in All Spaces 

The aluminum ramps and platforms will benefit Jerome and anyone else using the space. Individuals of all abilities can fully participate in the rodeo events and activities hosted there with accessibility features designed to enhance their experience and overcome barriers. This initiative in partnering with the ranch reflects EZ-ACCESS and Penrod Medical Equipment's commitment to inclusivity and their recognition of the importance of providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their physical limitations. These accessibility solutions serve as a symbol of community support and cooperation within the Davis Rodeo Ranch, just as Jerome is a role model for living life beyond barriers.

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