Mobility bathrooms are specifically designed for those who may be unable to use a traditional restroom due to disability, disease, or other impairments. Mobility bathrooms are designed for people with physical disabilities such as wheelchair users, mobility-impaired individuals, people who use walkers or crutches or with any type of chair that makes mobility difficult. Mobility bathrooms generally have many features and amenities to make the experience easier for everyone. The following are benefits of mobility bathrooms.
- Safety
The most important and central features of a mobility bathroom are the safety features. These features address the need to be safe and secure while using a public restroom facility. Today, all new public and private buildings in the U.S. must be fully accessible to everyone regardless of their physical ability or disability. The safety features in a mobility bathroom include:
- Specialized Equipment
Mobility bathrooms are designed to be easier to operate, safer, and more comfortable for those with physical disabilities, impairments, or diseases. Most mobility bathrooms have their sinks and mirrors raised above the floor so that wheelchair users can have an easier time washing their hands. The sinks and mirrors are also lowered at the touch of a button so that they can be accessible to people who cannot stand up to wash their hands in an average height sink or mirror.
- Ease of Use
Mobility bathrooms are designed to be easier for everyone to use. The sinks, toilets, and mirrors have features that make it easier for wheelchair users to get on and off the toilet and sink, as well as turn around in front of any of the fixtures in the bathroom. The height of the wheelchair accessible stalls in a mobility bathroom is also measured so that the stall is about a foot high for wheelchair users to get on and off the toilet and sink.
- Accessible Toilet Stalls
All mobility bathrooms must have wheelchair accessible toilet stalls that are at least 32″ in width. The area around these toilet stalls must be at least 36″ wide to allow adequate room for wheelchair users and anyone who uses walkers or other mobility aids. The ceiling of such a stall must also be at least 80″ high so that those who use wheelchairs or scooters can stand up fully, as well as provide ample space for turning around.
- Accessible Sinks
All mobility bathrooms must have wheelchair accessible sinks that are at least 32″ in width and use faucet handles that are at least 33″ in height. Such sinks must also have raised toilet seat ends to allow wheelchair users to sit on the toilet while still having comfort and ease of use. The distance between the floor and the bottom of the sink must be at least 11″ for wheelchair users to sit. The distance between the faucet and wall behind it must be at least 18″.
Conclusion
All mobility bathrooms must meet these important standards of accessibility for everyone. If you are in need of a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, make sure that the facility you plan to visit is indeed wheelchair accessible and meets these important safety and usability guidelines.