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Drinking fountains and water coolers accessible to people who use wheelchairs may be too low for people with a limited ability to bend or stoop. ADAAG requires access for both user groups. Specifications in 4.15 address wheelchair access. Units that meet conventional industry standards are acceptable for providing access to people who have difficulty bending or stooping.
Plumbed Fixtures
ADAAG covers fixed units where they are provided. Fixed units are not required over units that are not fixed. Where non-fixed units are provided instead, consideration should be given to their usability by people who use wheelchairs and those who may have difficulty bending or stooping. Non-fixed units, such as bottled water coolers, are recognized as an option in providing additional access where only one fixed unit is provided on a floor.
Scoping [4.1.3(10)]
ADAAG does not specify the number of fixtures a building must have. Instead it requires access based on the number provided on each floor so that half (50%) are accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Recommendation: Where an odd number of units is provided on a floor, one should round up to the next higher whole number in determining the number that provide wheelchair access.
One Unit Per Floor
Where only one fixed unit is intended on a floor, dual access can be provided by:
Exterior Sites
Recommendation: The 50% scoping required for building interiors should be followed for exterior sites. Where only one unit is provided or where they are spaced at considerable distances (such as over 200 feet), consider dual access at each location.
Dispersion
Recommendation: Wheelchair accessible units and standard units should be evenly dispersed to maximize convenient availability. For example, if a floor is occupied by separate tenancies, both types of units should be dispersed to serve occupants of each tenancy. Where only portions of a floor are accessible, such as wheelchair seating in assembly areas, be sure to locate wheelchair accessible units in proximity to, and on an accessible route from, accessible seating.
Standard Units
Units at conventional heights for use by standees are considered accessible to people who may bend or stoop with difficulty. It is important that cantilevered units meet the requirements for protruding objects so they do not pose a hazard to people with vision impairments. Recessing units in alcoves, wing walls, or other means of providing a detectable leading edge at or below 27 inches are acceptable.
Spout Location [4.15.3]
A person using a wheelchair has limited ability to lean over a drinking fountain, especially from a side approach. It is important that the spout be located at the front edge. The trajectory of water flow must be vertically "parallel" or "nearly parallel" to the face of the unit. Since rounded or oval bowls may not have a "front edge," a three inch distance is specified; the entire trajectory does not have to be within this distance.
Controls [4.15.4]
Controls must be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Push bars are easier to use by a broader range of people because they can be operated with a closed hand, wrist, or forearm.
Clearances [4.15.5]
Forward Approach
Drinking fountains are easier to use from a forward approach than from a side approach. Clearances for a forward approach are required at cantilevered units. Knee and toe clearances can be provided at some fountains by locating the cooling mechanism or "chiller" in a wall recess. Clearances below units are specified to provide necessary knee and toe space while allowing room for plumbing. The clearance between knee and toe space is not specified but should be maximized to provide enough room for legs and shins. The 17 to 19 inch clearance depth allows people using wheelchairs to pull up far enough under the unit to reach the spout.
Side Approach
Clear space for a side approach is specified for units that are free-standing or built-in. Space must be available so that a person using a wheelchair can align properly with the unit. Additional space is required where space is obstructed on both sides, which allows additional maneuvering for turns into the space.
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Accessible water closets, including those located in stalls, must comply with the requirements in 4.16. Clear floor space requirements at a toilet not located in a stall are different from those for a toilet within a stall.
Wheelchair Transfer
The manner of approach and transfer to water closets varies among people with disabilities. The type and extent of disability, the configuration of fixtures, and the availability of space alongside water closets often determine the technique used. ADAAG specifications are based on three types of transfer: perpendicular, diagonal, and side, some of which are illustrated in ADAAG Appendix Figure A6.
The clear floor space requirements depend on how a person using a wheelchair can approach the toilet. Unlatching footrests allows a closer approach. The 18 inch centerline placement of water closets keeps the side grab bar within reach. Side transfers are possible where space at least 42 inches from the toilet centerline is available. Armrests are often removed to facilitate transfer.
Clear Floor Space [4.16.2]
ADAAG (Figure 28) specifies the amount of space required at an accessible toilet, not the minimum room size, which must also include turning space, clear floor space at other provided fixtures, door swing and maneuvering clearance at the door. No distinction is made between floor- and wall-mounted water closets as is the case with toilet stalls where space is more confined. Note that:
If the lavatory is located less than 42 inches from the toilet centerline, a side transfer is not possible. Clear floor space less than 60 inches wide is dimensioned in length specifically for diagonal or perpendicular transfers based on the approach.
Seat Height [4.16.3]
Height preferences vary among people with disabilities. While higher seats are often preferred by people who are ambulatory, they may be a disadvantage to people who use wheelchairs if higher than the wheelchair seats. The 17 to 19 inch height range matches the typical seat height of most manual wheelchairs.
Grab Bars [4.16.4]
The back grab bar is most usable from the open side. It must be 36 inches long minimum, installed with one end space a maximum of 6 inches from the side wall. In existing facilities where the location of the flush valve conflicts with the grab bar, the bar can be split or shifted to the wide side. Side grab bars, including those that are continuous, must be mounted to extend at least 54 inches from the back wall.
Alternative designs, such as movable grab bars, were considered when ADAAG was developed but information and consensus was lacking on their usefulness and performance. Other designs may be possible under the provision of "equivalent facilitation" in 2.2 although movable or swing away grab bars on the open side are not allowed as a substitute for the back grab bar.
Flush Controls [4.16.5]
Flush valve controls must be mounted no more than 44 inches above the floor on the wide side of the toilet so that they are within reach from the available clear floor space. This space can be located on either side of the toilet depending on the configuration.
Dispensers [4.16.6]
Toilet paper dispensers should be located below the side grab bar so that they do not obstruct use of this bar. For this reason, large dispensers that do not fit below the grab bar should be avoided in accessible toilet rooms or stalls. Dispensers must provide continuous paper flow; those that have separate sheets or that control delivery are prohibited because they require repetitive hand motion and pinching and are not as usable by people with limited use of hands or arms.
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The standard stall in section 4.17 is wheelchair accessible. Since wheelchair accessible or "standard" stalls are designed to accommodate the broadest range of users, at least one is required where stalls are provided. The alternate stalls shown in Figure 30(b) can never satisfy new construction accessibility requirements. Only when technical unfeasibility can be demonstrated in alterations may an alternate stall substitute for the required standard stall of Figure 30(a).
Size and Arrangement [4.17.3]
Standard Stall
Stall doors are required to comply with 4.13 although alternate maneuvering dimensions are permitted. The clearances required for stall doors are different than those specified for conventional passage doors and gates in 4.13.6 since partition doors are generally lighter and easier to open. Except for end-of-row stalls, doors must swing out due to the confined space within stalls (less clearance is required on the push side of doors). Recommendations: Spring loaded hinges or secondary door pulls on the hinge side are a good idea in making it easier to close the door. Stalls should be located and configured to allow forward or latticed approaches which provide easier wheelchair access than ringside approaches.
Specifications in 4.13 require that hardware have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping or pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. For latches, consider slide bolts and similar hardware that does not require fine hand or finger movements.
The offset door/water closet configuration (which can be reversed) allows space for entry. Different people use different techniques in transferring from a wheelchair to the toilet seat. Toe clearance below partitions allows additional maneuvering space and permits a closer approach for perpendicular transfers. Toe space at least 9 inches high is required at the front and a side partition in stalls no more than 60 inches deep. Recommendation: Ceiling mounted partitions are a good idea because toe clearance is not interrupted by vertical supports
Because floor mounted toilets commonly project further from the back wall than wall mounted toilets, the stall depth is increased when a floor mounted toilet is used. This allows similar maneuvering space.
Clearance alongside a toilet allows space for a side transfer and cannot be obstructed. Note that turning space outside the stall is required in the room whether or not additional maneuvering room is provided in the stall. Out swinging doors allow adequate clearance (push side) within the confined space of stalls. Keep in mind that ADAAG specifies the minimum requirements. Recommendations: Larger stalls, such as those sized to provide turning space wholly within partitions or end-of-row stalls, will provide easier access, particularly for people who use scooters or other motorized devices. Where floor drains are provided, they should be located or otherwise designed (trench drains) so that the floor surface in accessible stalls is level since slopes greater than 2% and drain openings can impede access.
End-of-Row Stalls
The design of end-of-row stalls incorporates aisle space into the stall for easier maneuvering; consider this design even where a stall is not located at the end of a row. Toe clearance below partitions is not required but can provide additional maneuvering room. If an out swinging door is provided at an end-of-row stall, maneuvering space of at least 18 inches at the latch side/pull side must be provided.
36 Inch Wide Stalls
Where 6 or more stalls are provided (including accessible stalls) in a toilet room or bathroom, at least one must meet requirements for ambulatory access as required by ADAAG 4.22.4 and 4.23.4. This stall is specifically designed for people who have difficulty walking or standing from a seated position. A 36 inch width (absolute) allows the parallel grab bars to be used simultaneously when changing from a standing position to a seated position and vice versa. Out swinging doors prevent obstruction of grab bars during entry and self closing hinges keep one from having to reach back to close the door while using grab bars for support. Note that this stall is different from the alternate stall permitted only in alterations (ADAAG Figure 30(b)) and can be as deep as other stalls since it is not intended for wheelchair access.
Alterations: Alternate Stalls
An alternate stall may be substituted for the standard stall only in alterations where full compliance with requirements for a wheelchair accessible stall is not "technically feasible" or where local codes prohibit removal of existing toilet fixtures to make a standard stall. Recommendation: Where codes include provisions for waivers, it is recommended that a request for a waiver be made to ensure that the code does, in fact, prohibit the removal of a required fixture.
Alternate designs in ADAAG Figure 30(b) allow narrower stall widths while requiring greater depth. Wheelchair maneuvering and transfer can be very difficult or impossible within these dimensions which is why these designs are permitted only in alterations where technical unfeasibility" can be demonstrated. The 36 inch stall is most suitable for people who are ambulatory (which is why the width is an absolute, not a minimum). While it is also intended to allow some level of wheelchair access as well, it is not usable by most people who use wheelchairs. Where possible a stall at least 48 inches wide should be provided instead where technically feasible.
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Where urinals are provided, at least one must comply with 4.18.
Height [4.18.2]
The rim of an accessible urinal must be no higher than 17 inches above the finished floor. The rim must be "elongated," but a minimum horizontal projection is not specified. Recommendation: Specifying a urinal rim with the maximum projection available is recommended.
Clear Floor Space [4.18.3]
Clear floor space at least 30 inches wide is required, including between partitions where they are provided (when shields do not extend beyond the front of the urinal, a 29 inch clear floor space is permitted).
Flush Controls [4.18.4]
Flush controls must be mounted no more than 44 inches above the finished floor and must:
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If lavatories are provided, at least one lavatory in accessible toilet rooms and bathrooms must be accessible. In those few toilet or bathrooms permitted to be adaptable, base cabinetry is allowed as long as required clear floor space and knee and toe clearances are available when the cabinet is removed.
Height and Clearances [4.19.2]
An apron clearance of at least 29 inches (minimum depth not specified) allows a person using a wheelchair to get as close as possible to the front of the lavatory. Knee space at least 27 inches high must be at least 8 inches deep measured from the leading edge. Clearance beyond knee space must provide adequate space for a person's legs and feet.
Only a portion of the usable clear floor space can "count" as toe space, which is why a maximum depth and minimum height are specified for the front of the under lap of the required clear floor space. The lavatory or counter may be deeper than 19 inches but the portion of the required 30 by 48 inch clear floor space must under lap the lavatory a minimum of 17 inches and is limited to a maximum of 19 inches. Since plumbing limits how far one can pull up below lavatories, space beyond 19 inches, while permitted, is not considered usable. Deep lavatories or countertops make it difficult to locate soap dispensers, faucet controls, and other elements mounted above lavatories within reach range since a seated reach usually does not extend beyond the toes. Dispensers and controls at accessible lavatories must be within accessible reach ranges.
Clear Floor Space [4.19.3]
Clear floor space should be centered at the fixture (although this is not specifically required by ADAAG). Additional width is required where the clear floor space is obstructed on both sides more than 2 feet. Recommendations: Consider locating towel dispensers within reach from the lavatory so that people can dry their hands before maneuvering wheelchairs. Consistency in the location of dispensers can make it easier for people who are blind to find them.
Exposed Pipes and Surfaces [4.19.4]
To prevent burns, hot water pipes and drain pipes under lavatories must be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Exposed sharp or abrasive edges are prohibited. Foam or fiber insulation with protective over wrap on drain, hot water supply, and sharp edges or commercially available rigid pipe covers will satisfy this requirement. The P-trap may also be installed parallel to the wall so that it is located outside the knee/toe space. If an under lavatory enclosure is used, the specified knee and toe clearances must be maintained.
Faucets [4.19.5]
Faucets must:
Mirrors [4.19.6]
ADAAG does not require a mirror above the lavatory but requires that if mirrors are provided, at least one must be accessible. The mounting height of the bottom of mirrors at accessible lavatories (40 inches maximum above the floor) is based on the standard eye level range of adults seated in wheelchairs (43 to 51 inches). Recommendations: Full-length mirrors that extend up to standard height (74 inches minimum recommended) are a good idea because they serve a broader range of people, including those of short stature and children. Tilted mirrors, though not prohibited, are not recommended because they give a distorted image to a person seated in a wheelchair and cannot be used by a standing person. Clear floor space (30 by 48 inches minimum) for a forward approach located outside the swing of doors should be provided at full-length mirrors.
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ADAAG allows provision of either tubs or showers in accessible bathing facilities. Where provided in accessible bathing facilities, at least one tub or one shower must be accessible. Note that where tubs are provided, a securely fastened seat (which may be "portable") is required.
Clear Floor Space [4.20.2]
Clear floor space at tubs, which is dimensioned according to the approach, may overlap required turning space within the room. ADAAG allows a lavatory on the same plumbing wall to overlap the clear floor space at the tub because knee and toe clearance is available below an accessible lavatory. If located to overlap this clear floor space at the tub, a lavatory must not project into the tub clear floor space more than 19 inches. Recommendations: For easier access to controls, is better to locate a lavatory beyond this clear floor space. For seats at the head of the tub, consider additional clear floor space to allow positioning for side transfers.
Grab Bars [4.20.4] and Controls [4.20.5]
Controls must be within reach from outside the tub and cannot interfere with the use of the grab bar on this wall. Tracks on the tub rim are not allowed as they can interfere with the transfer to tub seats. Dual grab bars on the back wall are needed for transfer to the seat and into the tub.
Seats at the head of the tub are limited to a 15 inch depth so that back support is available from the side wall (which is why grab bars cannot be placed on the seat wall). Dual grab bars on the back wall must extend to the edge of the seat for use in transferring to the seat and for lowering oneself into the tub where one is able to do so. Recommendation: A hose for shower spray units longer than the required minimum of 60 inches is recommended for easier use of the shower spray unit from the seat.
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In accessible bathing facilities, at
least one tub or one shower must be accessible. ADAAG provides specifications
for several types of shower stall designs: roll-in, transfer, and, in hotels
(section 9), a combination of the two. Often a shower chair, a mobility
aid more suitable for bathing than a typical wheelchair, is used with roll-in
showers. Roll-in showers are most practical where shower chairs can be
made readily available (e.g., dwelling units, dormitories, rehabilitation
facilities). A folding seat in a roll-in shower offers greater flexibility
by allowing transfer as well. Combination roll-in/transfer stalls are required
in a portion of hotel guest rooms for this reason. ADAAG does not specifically
address accessibility in gang showers; a roll-in shower can be incorporated
into the design by providing grab bars in a complying configuration.
TRANSFER STALLS
Size and Clearances [4.21.2]
Clear floor space is specified for side transfers. Where a forward approach is provided, space at least 60 inches wide provides room for turning. Recommendations: Consider additional clear floor space beyond the control wall to facilitate the reach to controls. (Where a row of stalls is provided, avoid locating accessible stalls in corners). The 36 by 36 inch dimension, measured to the interior finish, keeps front and side grab bars within reach from the seat. Grab bars are configured so they do not interfere with use of the seat.
Seat [4.21.3]
ADAAG specifies maximum seat dimensions. Minimum dimensions contained in the CABO-ANSI A117.1-1992 standard are acceptable. The seat must extend the full depth of the transfer stall to help minimize the gap between the seat and a wheelchair. Folding seats can be used.
Curbs [4.21.7]
Curbs are limited to ½ inch
(measured from the room floor and the shower floor) so as not to interfere
with entry to the shower. This height limit also allows wheelchair footrests
to clear the curb so that a person using a wheelchair can partially pull
into the stall for transfer to the seat.
ROLL-IN SHOWER STALLS
Size and Clearances [4.21.2]
Lavatories can be located within the clear floor space (as shown in ADAAG Figure 35). Recommendation: Placing them beyond this space however can provide easier maneuvering to and from the shower. When a seat is provided in a roll-in shower, it must be a folding seat. Recommendation: Twelve inches of additional clear floor space at the seat will facilitate side transfers.
Controls [4.21.5]
Controls and shower units can be located on any wall but where a folding seat is provided they must be located to be within reach of a person on the seat. Grab bars are configured differently in showers with seats so that a person can lean back against the wall for support. The dimensions for seats in 36 inch stalls are appropriate for seats in roll-in showers as well.
Curbs [4.21.7]
Curbs are not permitted at roll-in showers. A slope up to 2 % is allowed for drainage.
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Toilet Rooms and Bathrooms [4.22 & 4.23]
Scoping [4.1.2(6), 4.1.3(11)]
Building codes, plumbing codes, or health regulations in force locally define the number and type of toilet/bathing facilities (and fixtures) required in a building or facility. ADAAG requires access to toilet/bathing facilities (and fixtures) where they are provided. (In multi-story buildings exempt from the elevator requirement, toilet/ bathing facilities are required on the accessible ground floor if provided on other floors.) Access is required to all toilet rooms and bathrooms provided for public or common use. "Common use" includes those serving a defined or restricted group of occupants (e.g., employees, students). Where toilet or bathrooms individually serve multiple public or common use spaces of the same type required to be accessible (e.g., patient exam rooms), then access is required to each toilet or bathroom.
Portable Units [4.1.2(6)]
Where portable single user toilet or bathing units are provided at exterior sites, at least 5%, but no less than one, must be accessible at each location. (This does not apply to units used only by construction personnel at construction sites). Portable units are subject to the same technical criteria applicable to permanent facilities. Where ramps are provided, it is important that required door clearances are available at the required level landing.
Adaptability
Toilet rooms designed for use by a single occupant of a specific space, can be designed to be "adaptable" so that accessible elements can be installed when needed after construction. ("Adaptability" is defined in ADAAG 3.5). This allows structural reinforcement or blocking for later installation of grab bars and removable base cabinetry below lavatories. It is not intended to include moving walls, relocating plumbing, replacing fixtures, widening door frames, or other work more appropriately addressed in design and construction. Rooms need to be designed to provide required clear floor space at fixtures, turning space, and door clearance.
Unisex Rest rooms
Single user toilet rooms offer benefits to people who use attendants and are a good consideration in occupancies with high traffic, such as shopping centers and airport terminals. In certain occupancies, model codes actually require unisex toilet rooms. Accessible unisex rest rooms cannot be used as a substitute for accessible multi-user rest rooms (except in alterations where making existing rest rooms fully accessible is not technically feasible).
Alterations [4.1.6(1), (2)]
In alterations, access is required where toilet or bathing facilities are altered. Compliance is governed by the scope of work and can be followed on an element-by-element basis unless the work, when taken together, amounts to a full alteration of the space. For example, if the work is limited to specific elements, such as replacement of a lavatory and floor coverings, then at a minimum each altered element must comply with ADAAG. Work broader in scope that may include such things as reconfiguration of walls and plumbed fixtures, generally requires full room access. Rest room accessibility is also required as part of a "path of travel" to altered primary function areas to the extent it is not disproportionate to the overall cost.
Room Dimensions
ADAAG does not specify room dimensions; these vary according to the number and configuration of fixtures, room layout, and the way various spatial requirements are met. For single user toilet rooms, key considerations include the configuration of water closets and lavatories, clear floor spaces required at fixtures, turning space, the location and swing of doors, and maneuvering space at doors. An important consideration is whether or not space for side transfers is provided. Doors can swing into the turning space but not the clear floor space required at fixtures.
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ADAAG provides technical specifications for both "lavatories" and "sinks." Requirements for lavatories in ADAAG 4.19 apply to fixtures for hand washing in toilet or bathing facilities. Fixtures provided for other purposes, such as dish washing, are considered "sinks." ADAAG provides technical requirements for sinks but does not provide scoping requirements. However, access is important to sinks that serve a public or common use purpose.
Recommendations: A forward approach
(specified in 4.24) provides convenient access at sinks used regularly
or for extended periods of time. At those used briefly or intermittently,
a side approach may be sufficient. A removable base cabinet can be used
to make a sink adaptable for a forward approach. Sinks that are located
in employee work stations and used only by employees are not required to
be accessible, although access or adaptability can facilitate accommodation
of employees. Where multiple sinks are provided in a space (e.g., laboratory
classrooms), access to at least one or 5% in each such space is generally
sufficient.
Examples of Recommended Level of
Access at Sinks
| Examples of Recommended Level of Access at Sinks | |
| Forward approach (compliance with 4.24) | classrooms, art studios, laboratories used for instructions, and similar public/common use areas, kitchens in apartment style dormitories |
| Side approach | employee break rooms (forward approach for access or adaptability preferred), hotel/motel kitchenettes (ADAAG 9.2.2(7)) |
| Access (or adaptability) optional | janitor's sinks, laboratories for employees only (not students), restaurant kitchens |
Forward Approach
Knee and toe clearances specified for lavatories in 4.19, which recognize space for plumbing, can be applied to sinks. Where disposals are provided, rear corner placement will allow greater knee clearance. Faucets, controls, and dispensers should be within the usable clear floor space to be within easy reach.
Side Approach
Side reach depth is important to consider
in the design and location of sinks. Sinks located in corners may not be
fully within reach and the space to the rear of the side approach space
cannot be reached.
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