Making Your Bathroom Accessible to Everyone

When designing or remodeling a bathroom to be ADA friendly, there can be several things to keep in mind. However, accessibility bathrooms are not only extremely crucial for a disabled person’s well-being and lifestyle but also quite achievable. With the right mindset and professional help, you can surely have an ADA bathroom in your own home.

• Have a way to unlock the door from the outside in case of an emergency.
• Consider placement, size and height based on the disabled person.

For Those With Limited Mobility

Whether a person struggles with a condition, has lost mobility due to age, or any number of disabling reasons, there can be a variety of limitations that make using a bathroom harder. Accessibility bathrooms should keep these ADA friendly tips in mind:

• Remove raised surfaces to avoid tripping. This includes the entrance to the bathroom itself as well as the tub or shower, which can be barrier-free or walk-in with no raised edges.
• Keep toilets higher up so that standing to sitting and vice versa isn’t as much of a distance. Including handlebars can also be incredibly helpful to keep someone steady.
• Higher sinks can reduce the need to bend over, which can be hard. Handlebars can also be nearby to keep the user steady.

For Wheelchair Users

Depending on the person, the amount they rely on a wheelchair and how much they can maneuver themselves around can differ. Keep in mind the amount of physical movement this person may have and consider these additions or changes for making an ADA accessibility bathroom:

• Make sure that the bathroom doorway is open wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through. While 32 inches is the minimum required, it’s much more comfortable for wheelchair users to have 36 inches or more of door space.
• Bathtubs and showers can be designed either barrier-free or with a roll-in entrance, allowing a wheelchair user to enter while seated.
• Toilets should be higher up and include handlebars in order to make lifting oneself easier.
• Sinks should have plenty of space underneath of them for wheelchair users to pull up to and should be around 30 to 34 inches in height.