Handicap Bathrooms

Handicap bathrooms may have various handicap equipment and bathroom accessories. When it comes to fixtures and equipment, it is highly recommended that a professional install them. The bathroom design usually reflects the user’s needs and complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

There are various attractive bathroom accessories for home use such as shower shelf, toilet paper holder, soap dish and others that may be found in a bathroom for disabled individuals. There are also various handicap aids such as long handle sponges and others.

Items such as handicap grab bars or bathroom safety grab bars are essential and should be properly positioned and installed by a qualified contractor. The grab bars should be reliable and provide support and safety for a handicapped person. Handicap grab bars and handrails are typically placed in different areas of the bathroom and in the shower and bathtub area.

It should be noted that grab bars are only as strong as the wall they are mounted on and the hardware used for mounting. Sound structure is also important.

Items such as shower seats would be positoned according to ADA guidlines in a roll-in type shower compartment or alternate as specified by the ADA.

It is also important to select equipment that is suitable for the user, for example if the individual(s) is obese, the standard equipment may not be adequate to sustain the weight of an obese person. A bariatric version would likely be more suitable.

The ADA addresses issues of disability and bathroom for the handicapped or people with disabilities and provides specific guidelines. More information can be found in the ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities Published in the Federal Register July 23, 2004 and amended August 5, 2005.

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