Restrooms

Public toilets, trash cans, showers, and portable toilets

Most public venues clearly try to follow the ADA's guidelines for setting up restrooms. Challenges arise when trash or too much furniture clogs access. For example, sometimes an accessible restroom's generous spaces are seen as handy for storing a step ladder, bulk paper products, or a spare desk.

Another challenge arises when there is only one handicap stall in a busy public restroom. For whatever reason, accessible stalls are popular with both ambulatory and non-ambulatory people. It can be frustrating for wheelchair users to wait while an ambulatory person occupies the only accessible stall in a bathroom with 6 unoccupied non-accessible stalls.

A friend reminds us, "There are legitimate invisible reasons for using the wheelchair stall. People with anxiety issues sometimes need the extra space.... People with different toileting needs - various ostomy appliances... or the need to change undergarments."

Whatever the reason, it would be nice if there were more handicap stalls--enough for all of us!

A unisex public bathroom. These are SO handy for handicapped people who need a buddy nearby.

This public bathroom is intended for any non-handicapped user.

An accessible bathroom for persons who self-identify as male.

The photo is fuzzy but the message is clear.

Good: at a medical facility.

Good: at a museum.

Another at the museum.

Good: at a cafe.

Good: at a business.

Good: at a school.

Good: at another school.

Good: at a motel.

OOPS Can this medical office add a side grab-bar where the windowsill is?

OOPS this motel's "accessible" bathroom looks tight for a scooter-user or wheelchair-user. Could they maneuver in this small space? And where are the grab-bars?

Luckily the trash can in this medical office can be relocated; a scooter-user might need to park there.

OK!

A "Standard Toilet Transfer Bench W-44O"

This accessory allows a non-standing person to slide onto a smooth surface from a wheelchair or scooter. The bench's surface is also helpful when the user needs to pull pants up/down (by leaning left/right as they slide on).

www.VersAbleDesigns.com

"Standard Toilet Bench" atop ADA toilet

Here the "bench" (lid) is positioned for a non-handicapped user. It stays out of the way, and ambulatory people proceed as usual. This bench is great for handicapped people who cannot stand, but can use their arms & hands. www.VersAbleDesigns.com

A toilet in a rehab facility.

Evidently this is for people who can stand but need assistance with balance.

Good: It's within reach of a seated person, and is always open for "deposits."

OK. A good trash can at a museum. Only one hand is needed to push against the lid and drop trash.

Some people might use this one-handed, if the other hand is holding onto a cane.

At the hair salon. Not handy for people who cannot use their feet to open the lid.

An accessible trash can at a serve-yourself style restaurant.

A sink in a museum's accessible restroom. YAY! Wheelchair-users can park close enough to wash hands without getting sleeves wet.

At some American airports: an adult-size "changing table" (This one's at the Baltimore Airport.) This accommodation is key for some adults with physical and/or mental disabilities. See website for the list of 7 U.S. airports that now have this type of facility: https://wheelchairt1ravel.org

In England:

(Not necessarily in airports.) Features include a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist, and extra space. See: http://www.changing-places.org/.

Two seating options were offered in this HOTEL SHOWER.

Look at all the grab bars! This MOTEL BATHTUB comes with a flip-down seat for people who want to sit while showering. But the shower nozzle and controls look hard to reach while seated (assistance needed).