Handicapped Restroom Standards

Floor Space

Every public facility must have at least one restroom for each sex that will accommodate people in wheelchairs without hindrance. A wheelchair requires a space that measures at least 30 inches by 48 inches. This is the space required for a single wheel chair to turn around and access all of the fixtures in the restroom. The standards allow for a T-shaped space to turn around in as long as the aisles are at least 36 inches wide.

Sink fixtures must be built so that people in wheelchairs can roll their wheelchair under the counter and reach the sink and all of the controls including soap dispensers and hand drying equipment. The sink countertop must extend at least 17 inches out from the wall, and leave at least 29 inches of space from the floor to the bottom of the countertop. The finished countertop must not be more than 34 inches from the floor.

Controls for faucets, soap dispensers and hand driers must be constructed so that disabled persons can operate them with limited manipulation and strength. All of the controls should be operable with one hand. Each mechanism should be operable without having to twist the wrist, or needing significant strength to turn or push the control. The force needed to operate faucets should not exceed five pounds. There should not be any sharp edges above or below the sink that could harm a person accessing the sink.

The key to building a restroom that meets ADA standards is ensuring wheelchair accessibility. The toilet stall must have a width of at least 60 inches and a length that allows plenty of room for a wheelchair bound patron to move around without obstruction. The toilet seat must be 17 inches to 19 inches above the floor, and there must be handle bars mounted so that disabled persons can use them to move around.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was formulated to insure that every person can have unobstructed access to public facilities regardless of disability or limitation. Every person has a right to use public facilities without experiencing embarrassment or infringement of their personal dignity. The provisions of the ADA allows people with cognitive and physical limitations to participate in the normal activities of life without unfair limitations. By removing physical barriers society has extended basic human rights to disabled persons.