Duane Roberts 
When it comes to going to the bathroom, not everyone is thinking about the needs of the disabled. But the fact is that many disabled people face serious challenges when it comes to using public restrooms. Inaccessible public restrooms put disabled people at a particular disadvantage. They mean that disabled people have to deal with the additional stress of not having access to a bathroom. This article is going to look at accessible toilets for disabled people and what makes them different to regular toilets. You will learn more about the options that are available and what you need to look out for.
The Basics of Accessible toilets for the Disabled
An Accessibilité toilet can be any type of toilet that is equipped for disabled people. Some are standard “normal” toilets with extra space for a wheelchair or a toilet seat that has a lever or button to raise or lower it. Others are fitted with a special toilet seat or a grab bar or even a low sink. All these things make it easier to sit on the toilet, get in and out of the toilet and wash your hands after using the toilet.
If you are a wheelchair user, an accessible toilet is a must. You can’t really go to the bathroom independently if you have to use a toilet. A standard toilet is not only difficult to maneuver in and out of but also very difficult to clean and maintain.
What Makes Up an Accessible Toilet?
A toilet is a device that allows you to deposit your bodily wastes (aka pee & poo). In order to be accessible, a toilet needs to allow you to do two things:
- Use it to sit on while wheelchair-bound or immobile.
- Use it independently to get in and out of the toilet without help.
When looking at accessible toilets, you will notice that they come in different types. There are portable toilets, trowels, porta potties, and many more. You will also see differing designs, styles, options and features. This is due to the wide range of disabilities that are catered for by accessible toilets.
Here are some of the main types of accessible toilets:
Portable toilets: These toilets are lightweight and easy to move around with a wheelchair. They have a carrying handle and are often foldable.
Trowels: Trowels tend to be fixed to the ground or wall and have a special slot to take a wheelchair’s axle. They are often preferred to portable toilets as they have more space for wheelchair users.
Porta potties: Similar to portable toilets, but larger and with more capacity.
Toilets with sinks: Having a sink attached to the toilet makes it easier to wash your hands after using the toilet. This is especially useful for people who have poor mobility, who may not be able to reach a water fountain or sink to wash their hands.
The best accessible toilets feature a mirror and a shelf, so that people with disabilities can put their essentials in them. Ideally, the shelf should be easy to reach and the light switch should be in a visible place. There should also be a brightly lit toilet, with a wall light that contrasts with the wall.
Many venues are not meeting the legal requirement, which is why many are now looking into the best ways to provide disabled toilets. If you want to offer a toilet for a disabled customer, you should consider putting up one in your premises.
