It’s easy for non-disabled people to overlook simple design features that could make our world more accessible for everyone. I work for a company that specializes in accessibility. After we renovated the washroom in our store, we had a client (a wheelchair user) point out to us that the garbage bin in the washroom had a foot pedal to open the lid – she wasn’t able to activate it. Even as a company that specializes in accessibility, we’d overlooked this simple but important feature on the bin. To fix it, we simply swapped the bin for one with no lid. The average person would likely not realize the new bin was chosen for the purpose of access – and that’s exactly the point. When accessibility is done well it’s often invisible, but when we overlook these important features, they make simple tasks difficult or impossible for many people.
I decided to speak with Occupational Therapists (OTs) who specialize in home & bathroom access, to see what they find most important in designing accessible bathrooms. At the end of the article, I will also list Canadian resources that outline best practice for accessible spaces.
What Experts Have To Say
I asked three OTs about their experiences designing accessible bathrooms with their clients. Specifically, I asked them:
- What are the most important things you consider when starting the bathroom modification process?
- What’s something that’s often overlooked in this process?
- Please share any tips and tricks you’ve picked up along the way.
Here’s what they had to say:
For public settings in Canada, design should be based on the CSA B651 Guidelines (1). The CSA B652 Guidelines can be used in residential spaces (2). However, keep in mind that these guidelines are based on what works for the majority of people. In a residential space, the individual’s needs trump guidelines.
Roll-Under Sink & Vanity
When creating a “roll under” countertop for a wheelchair user, OTs see many common errors. Whenever possible, they advise clients and contractors to ensure drains are at the back of the sink, not the middle, so the plumbing is as far back as possible. They also advise that plumbing should be as short as possible, and run into the wall rather than the floor to allow room for the client’s knees and feet. Pedestal sinks should be avoided, as the pedestal interferes with wheelchair users’ feet. In a residential space, the surface should be tall enought to clear the individual’s knees plus 1”. The extra inch allows for variance with different shoes, and space to protect the individual’s knees from bruising or burns on the bottom of the sink. Remember to account for the depth of the sink when making this calculation. In a commercial space, refer to the CSA B651 guidelines (3).
Many people who use wheelchairs struggle to lean forward due to decreased core strength or coordination. For this reason, the sink should be as close to the edge of the counter as possible – inches matter! Also consider having an electrical plug near the front of the counter for access from a seated position. Similarly, it can be beneficial to mount the faucet and taps at the side of the sink for easier access. Lastly, mount the mirror as low as possible (or offer a full-length mirror) for use in a seated position. Angled mirrors can be useful, but may not be a good option for people who are standing.
Toilets
When it comes to toilets, height matters! Many people find it easier to stand from or sit on a taller surface. However, commode users may find taller toilets don’t fit under their commode. Individual considerations should be used for a residential space. For public washrooms, refer to the B651 guidelines (4).
The bowl shape matters too! Most toilets are available in two standard shapes: round and elongated. Elongated bowls are beneficial for many reasons, including providing more space for hygiene tasks. Additionally, some bidet seats push a person forward on the seat. Elongated seats allow more space to accommodate this.
Finally, consider providing shelving next to the toilet to hold a person’s toileting supplies, if needed. Ensure the grab bars by the toilet are not being blocked by the toilet paper holder or other accessories.
Showers
A common theme among these experts was broad interpretations of “zero threshold” showers by contractors. The OTs emphasized that, even with detailed drawings and instructions, zero threshold showers are often installed incorrectly. For this reason, it’s important to check reviews on a contractor’s previous accessibility work. They also mentioned the shower curtain needs to sit inside the slope of the floor to avoid leaks, which can make the shower feel small. Therefore, allow more space than you may think necessary for the shower.
In a new build or renovation, one of the most important features you can add is solid backing on the walls, behind the drywall, in the shower and around the toilet. This is a relatively simple feature to add in a new build, and allows for easy installation of grab bars and other safety features down the road. For more details, check out the CSA B652 Guidelines, section 5.9.5 (5).
Doors
Several simple solutions can make doorway access easier for people who have mobility impairments. Offset door hinges are a simple solution that can create additional space in a narrow doorway. “D” style or lever-style door handles are easier to use than a knob for people who have limited hand function. The OTs I spoke with mentioned that many people think pocket doors will be more accessible than a swinging door. However, they emphasized these are often more challenging in practice because pocket doors don’t have a door knob to grab. Additionally, this style can cause difficulties down the road, as accessing the sliding mechanisms for maintenance is difficult.
What Else Should We Think About?
Ensure that in a public space, wherever possible, the accessible washroom is gender-neutral. This allows a safe space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It also ensures that if a person needs assistance in the washroom, their caregiver can comfortably aid them, regardless of the caregiver’s sex or gender.
When designing an accessible space, the most important thing we can do is consult people who have disabilities. By centering people with lived experience in the process, we’re able to create spaces that will best fit their needs. We will get things wrong sometimes, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we are willing to learn, improve, and work to create a world that is safe and open to all people, regardless of their ability.
Resources
For further details about accessible spaces, including washrooms, you can follow the links to these resources:
- CSA B651 – National Standard for accessible public spaces in Canada. This document provides a discussion on accessible design elements for public spaces and why they’re important.
- CSA B652 – National Standard for accessible homes in Canada. This document provides a discussion on accessible design elements for residential spaces and why they’re important.
- Barrier Free Design – This document provides a comparison of building code to accessibility guidelines in Canada.
- City of Winnipeg Accessible Design Plan – The City of Winnipeg has involved OTs in developing plans, policies, and guidelines for several years. This document provides rationale for guidelines.
Special thanks to the Occupational Therapists from On Task Rehab Inc. for their contributions to this article: Quintin Wismer, Peggy Northcott & Calum Martin