The Americans with Disabilities Act addresses many of the lawful requirements for providing barrier free easy access and full access handicap bathrooms. The movement has gone far past the minimal standards as the nation reaches out to an all access work and residential environment. Whereas residences with handicap baths used to be viewed skeptically, that is no longer the case. Meanwhile most businesses are required to provide at least one stall for handicap use and wheelchair access.
Design for handicap baths has surpassed all expectations and today's solutions are attractive, functional and add to property value and appeal rather than diminish the value. Let's face it, we are living longer and seniors are more determined than ever to stay in their residences. Being elderly and being disabled does not mean being unnecessarily dependent. In fact, disabled citizens are fiercely independent and more determined than ever to enjoy their rightful place at work and home.
Recommended and required specifications for handicap access to private and public facilities are well described and detailed on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website. Persons responsible for designing or remodeling residential or commercial space for disability accessible bath areas will do well to research this site. The initial concern is locating the necessary space for wheelchair accessibility, but there are many other disabilities and symptoms that need to be considered.
Manufacturers and designers alike have collaborated to design appealing and functional barrier free amenities. Whether the barrier free environment is utilized in a private residence or in a commercial area or in multi-unit building, these spaces can now be every bit as attractive as their non-compliant counterparts.
bathroom design for the handicapped person does not present insurmountable problems. The issues are ease of use, comfort of use and independence of use, just like any other bathroom design. It is true that suitable handicap wheelchair design must allow about 60 inches for the wheelchair and for the helper. There must be adequate space to turn the chair and expansive enough so that the chair can access the toilet through a wide portal with room for a helper in the stall. There is no way around it; wheelchair access requires breath and depth.
A handicap bath requires more access and protection than just wheelchair access. Other disabilities suggest the area should be free of sharp edges, using rounded tops and corners, have clear access to the washbasin, as well as a clear approach to the toilet.
All fixtures and dispensers must be accessible to the wheelchair user. Allowances should be made for handicapped persons who do not have full use of fingers and hands. This means door handles, catches and faucets must be easy to operate. Levers are much more desirable and functional than faucets. Usually the simplest design is the most effective design. All faucets must be clearly labeled.
Barrier free space should also include strategically placed grab rails. These rails should be around the toilet, around the basin area and of course in shower areas and around bathtubs. There should never be protruding objects in barrier free spaces.
Allowing the proper space and committing to the barrier free image is the best place to start with the washroom design. In many workplaces, creating the attractive handicap bath area can present challenges, especially if the business is working with existing space. However, the facility manager must take every measure to balance health, safety and hygiene against long-term cost efficiency and trouble free maintenance.
Research indicates that employees respond favorably to the new and attractive handicap designs. The practice shows acceptance and consideration and appeals to handicapped consumers as well. Barrier free is a standard, not merely a concept.Visit Partion Plus.com for a complete line of toilet partitions and washroom accessories. Our bathroom partitions are available in all configurations and room dimensions. Toilet partition materials include: Powder Coated Steel (painted metal), Solid Plastic, Phenolic, Plastic Laminate and Stainless Steel. Visit online today.
