How to Make a Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires most public restrooms to be wheelchair accessible. You don’t have to have a wheelchair accessible bathroom at home but if you or a family member relies on a wheelchair, of course you’ll want at least one bathroom in the house to be accessible. People that use wheelchairs have differing abilities and limitations and you should consider your own needs and those of your family when building a wheelchair accessible bathroom at home. There are, however, some basics that apply to any wheelchair accessible bathroom.

Step One

Install a doorway at least 32 inches wide so wheelchair users can enter the bathroom easily.

Step Two

Provide at least 30 inches by 48 inches of clear floor space in a wheelchair accessible bathroom. Take into consideration where you might put items typically kept in bathrooms, such as waste paper baskets, when deciding how large a bathroom should be.

Step Three

Install a sink no higher than 34 inches from the floor. Select a sink with open space beneath and insulate any exposed plumbing. Select a sink with faucets that can be controlled easily with just one hand. If you install the sink in a countertop, it should be no further than two inches from the front of the countertop so someone sitting in a wheelchair can reach it easily.

Step Four

Install a toilet with a seat 17 inches to 19 inches from the floor. Select a toilet that can be flushed easily with just one hand.

Step Five

Install a horizontal grab bar behind the toilet and another along one side of the toilet. Install a toilet paper holder within easy reach.

Step Six

Install a walk-in shower in addition to, or in place of, a bathtub. Install sturdy grab bars and provide a shower chair. Make sure the water is easily turned on and off and the water temperature is easy to adjust. A handheld showerhead helps many wheelchair users in the shower, as well. Provide an easy-to-reach place to store soap, shampoo and other shower needs.

Step Seven

Install electrical outlets and light switches where someone seated in a wheelchair can easily reach them.

Step Eight

Install towel racks or paper towel dispensers in places accessible to wheelchairs users.

Tip

When building a wheelchair accessible bathroom in your own home, consider where you will store items like toiletries, extra towels and extra toilet paper. Make sure these items can be easily reached by someone sitting in a wheelchair.

Warning

If building a wheelchair accessible bathroom in a public building, refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (found in the Resources section) to make sure you comply with all applicable laws.

Sources:

Adaptive Access. http://www.adaptiveaccess.com/handicap_bathrooms.php. Handicap Bathrooms.

Adaptive Access. http://www.adaptiveaccess.com/home_changes.php. Home Changes.

The Design Linc. http://www.designlinc.com/destips.htm#bath. The Bathroom Resources.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities. http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm.