When it comes to providing commercial washroom facilities, it’s imperative that they cater to all those who may need to use them. Specifically, this includes people who are disabled, who may require adaptations that are very different from that of the average toilet block, in terms of size and overall design.
Accessible toilets are used in a variety of public locations such as hospitals, schools and public transport hubs.
If you’re looking to make your building more accessible, this is to be applauded as it will mean disabled people will be catered for as they should be when on your property.
Here is everything you need to know about accessible toilets from the Inspired Washrooms team to tell you more.
Disabled Vs Accessible Toilet
Two terms you may have come across are disabled toilets and accessible toilets, so which one is correct, and what does it mean?
First of all, the term ‘disabled toilets’ is a colloquial term that people may use, but it isn’t the official term used by washroom installers - accessible toilets is. That’s because, if the toilet isn’t built in a way that is considered accessible, then it’s not suitable for a disabled person to use.
Accessibility starts with the user’s journey to reach the area where the toilet is based. For example, a wheelchair user cannot travel upstairs (without special equipment or a lift) or navigate certain floor textures very easily with their wheels. Uneven floors and narrow corridors are also out of the question, as such features wouldn't be classed as accessible.
Once the individual does reach the toilet, they need to be able to complete every action with ease, without it being a risk to their safety. This includes things such as installing extra grab rails, as well as an emergency pull switch that is within reach - even in the event that they ended up on the floor.
It’s also good to remember that disabilities span many different aspects. For example, some are also visually impaired or may be prone to seizures. So, the more inclusive the design of the toilet is the better.
As well as maintaining safety, dignity should be at the heart of every design decision too.
Read our popular guide on this subject: Disabled Toilet Regulations UK
Do Businesses Legally Have To Provide A Disabled Toilet?
This is a bit of a grey area, as under the disability discrimination act, a business has to adapt their premises in a way that is reasonable, compared to its resources (i.e, the size of the building and the type of business they are).
While all businesses should factor in accessibility within the design of the building, sometimes this isn’t always possible, especially in older buildings where the space doesn’t allow for complex changes.
Of course, a lack of facilities can be very frustrating for disabled users, especially given going to the toilet is a basic human necessity.
So, any businesses that do factor in the needs of disabled people by installing accessible toilets will be helping to do their bit for society.
It’s also helpful if businesses state whether their building is accessible or not to visitors on their website, social media and via stickers on the entranceway. That way, visitors with accessibility challenges won’t be left in an awkward situation should they need the toilet. Disabled people may also be more likely to visit you if facilities are in place too.
The Accessibility Challenges To Factor In When Designing Public Toilets
A challenge in designing toilets with accessibility in mind is that without a full understanding of the different ways in which someone may need extra support, there is a chance that their needs will not be met.
While far from exhaustive, the following are some of the top challenges we think it’s important to factor in when designing and installing accessible toilets:
Mobility And Physical Impairments
- Wheelchair users: Requires transfer space beside the WC, turning circles and lowered fixtures, as standard cubicles are simply too small to enter.
- Walking aid users: Crutches, frames and rollators need space to be set aside safely while the person transfers.
- Limited upper body strength: This may mean the user cannot operate stiff taps, push heavy doors or lower themselves without grab rail support.
- Partial paralysis or hemiplegia: Individuals may only be able to transfer from one specific side, requiring left- or right-hand transfer layouts.
- Chronic pain conditions (i.e. fibromyalgia, arthritis): Standard fixtures at the wrong height cause significant pain or make use impossible.
Continence And Bowel Conditions
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: Sufferers often experience urgent, frequent toilet needs with no warning. Inaccessible or distant toilets create a serious risk.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Similar urgency issues, compounded by anxiety in unfamiliar environments.
- Neurogenic bladder or bowel conditions: Often associated with spinal cord injury, MS or spina bifida. Individuals may require catheterisation or bowel management which means they need space, a shelf and a sink within reach.
- Stoma users: They need a shelf or surface to place supplies, adequate space to manoeuvre, and a means of disposing of pouches.
Complex And Multiple Disabilities
- Full body support needs: Some people cannot weight-bear at all and require a ceiling hoist and height-adjustable changing bench (only available in Changing Places facilities).
- Spinal cord injuries: Depending on the level of injury, the person may need full assistance and equipment.
- Cerebral palsy: This can affect coordination, balance and muscle control, requiring additional support and space for a carer.
Sensory Impairments
- Visual impairment: Poor colour contrast between fittings, walls and floors makes orientation and safe use very difficult. Unclear signage compounds this.
- Hearing impairment: Visual emergency alerts needed alongside audible alarms. Written or visual instructions are also essential.
Cognitive And Neurological Conditions
- Dementia: Can result in disorientation in unfamiliar environments. Poor contrast and confusing layouts create significant barriers.
- Autism: Autistic individuals often experience sensory sensitivities (hand dryer noise, lighting and smells). Unfamiliar environments can make standard public bathrooms genuinely distressing or unusable.
- Acquired brain injury: This may affect someone’s spatial awareness, sequencing of tasks and physical coordination.
Hidden Disabilities
- Anxiety disorders and PTSD: Crowded, noisy or unsanitary facilities can trigger acute distress.
- Fatigue conditions (i.e. ME/CFS, long Covid): This can mean that standing to use facilities or walking long distances to reach them is not always possible. A fold-down seat or shorter travel distance can make a huge difference.
- Diabetes: Those with diabetes may need space and privacy to administer insulin or check their blood glucose.
Support For Carers And Dependencies
- Adults requiring personal care assistance: A standard cubicle often cannot accommodate both the user and a carer, particularly when hoisting or changing is involved.
- Children with additional needs: A standard baby changing is insufficient for older children who still require lying-down changing.
To ensure full compliance with accessibility, we would also encourage the owners of businesses or similar public facilities to enable users to provide feedback about the experience of using their toilets. Doing so can highlight any hidden accessibility challenges with the current setup. It can also provide an understanding of which types of features users appreciate the most.
Get A Free Quote For Accessible Toilet Installation UK
Interested in making your business more accessible to your visitors? Inspired washrooms install across the UK.
We cover a range of different installation types including a full washroom installation or just a disabled toilet design service.
Not only do we install accessible toilets to the correct specifications for the safety and wellbeing of disabled users, but we can customise the colours and design to suit your building.
Please get in touch or give us a call on 0115 811 4242 for a free quote.