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You are here: Knowledge Base > Bobrick Techincal Bulletins
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BARRIER-FREE WASHROOM PLANNING GUIDE Last Updated: 01/21/2008 |
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THE ADA AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN The ADA Title III requires all new construction of public accommodations and commercial facilities meet or exceed ADAAG specifications. All additions and substantial alterations to functional spaces in existing public accommodations are considered new construction and subject to the same ADAAG requirements; and the entrances, toilet facilities, and accessible routes that service the additions or altered spaces may also have to be brought up to ADAAG standards. Existing public accommodations are required by the ADA Title III to remove barriers that are “readily achievable” based on an organization’s size, resources, and the type and complexity of the barriers in question. The regulations for the law do not precisely define the term readily achievable; however, they do provide details on how to modify existing buildings and they give building owners logical flexibility in coming up with alternative solutions to providing equal services for people with disabilities if it is deemed that removal of existing barriers is not readily achievable. Since the ADA mandates widespread accessibility nationwide, it supports the concept of universal design that suggests designers and manufacturers include the necessary characteristics and/or options in all products, building elements, and spaces to ensure that they are usable to the greatest extent possible by people with all types and levels of ability. This more universally usable design approach would include and surpass the minimum requirements of current standards and guidelines. UNIVERSAL DESIGN can be accomplished in some instances by simply using the same item for everyone; sometimes by positioning an item differently; at other times by modifying or replacing a single manufactured feature of an item; and in some circumstances by replacing an item with one that is more adjustable or adaptable. Universal design eliminates radically different looking items and special labels (e.g., handicapped), and the stigma associated with them, while providing choices for all users. SPECIAL ISSUE OF LEFT- AND RIGHT-HAND ACCESSIBILITY Some people with disabilities can only use certain features if they can approach them from the left or right side. This limitation affects the usability of toilet and shower compartments and washroom accessories that are not symmetrical. The ADAAG standards do not require that both left- and right-handed facilities be available in all washrooms; however, the concept of universal design suggests that when washrooms are planned, both left- and right-handed versions should be provided to the greatest extent possible For complete information , download the attached 30 page guideline.
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