Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most common areas where accessibility mistakes occur.
An accessible stall and an ambulatory stall are two different types of restrooms; however, they are often mistaken as interchangeable. To create an accessible restroom, review the following standards:
- Accessible stall should have a 60 inch diameter of clear floor space, or a “T” shaped space within a 60 inch square
- Sink mounted between 27-34 inches with 8 inches under for knee space
- Piping should be wrapped
- The faucet should be operable without tight grasp or twisting of the wrist
- The toilet should be mounted 16-18 inches from the wall, with the flusher 17-18 inches high on the open side of the toilet
- Grab bars should be mounted 33-36 inches high. The side grab bar should be mounted 12 inches from the wall and be 42 inches in length. Rear grab bar should span 24 inches left of the centerline of the toilet and 12 inches to the right, for 36 inches total.
- Mounted items should be 12 inches minimum above the grab bars and 1½ inches minimum below the grab bars
In some cases, creating a fully accessible, single-user or "family" restroom will solve any accessibilty issues. This is true in many older or historic buildings in which the overall ADA standards are much more lenient. However, it is a best practice to always provide an accessible stall in a multi-user restroom in order to meet this standard and be fully accessible.
Click Here for Interactive Standards Map for Bathrooms »
