Guidelines

Getting to the Rest Rooms

1. If rest rooms are available to the general public is at least one rest room (either one for each sex or one unisex) fully accessible?

At least one lavatory must be fully accessible.

2. Are there signs at inaccessible rest rooms that give directions to accessible ones?

Don't assume that everyone will know where an accessible lavatory is located. It is important to make sure that directional signage is provided.

Doorways and Passages

3. Is there tactile signage identifying rest rooms?
Mount signs on the wall, on the latch side of the door. Avoid using ambiguous symbols in place of text to identify rest rooms.

4. Is the doorway at least 32-inches wide?

This is not the width of the door, but the width of the opening.

5.Are doors equipped with accessible handles (operable with a closed fist), mounted 48 inches high or less?

This is the appropriate height for door handles so they are accessible by a person who uses a wheelchair.

6. Can doors be opened easily (5 lbf maximum force)?
People with limited strength must be able to open doors independently.

7. Does the entry configuration provide adequate maneuvering space for a person using a wheelchair?
A person using a wheelchair needs 36 inches of clear width for forward movement, and a 5-foot diameter clear space or a T-shaped space to make turns. A minimum distance of 48 inches, clear of the door swing, is needed between the two doors of an entry vestibule.

8. Is there a 36-inch-wide path to all fixtures?
This will allow people with disabilities to access available fixtures.

Stalls

9. Is the stall door operable with a closed fist, inside and out?

It should be easy to open and close a stall door with a closed fist.

10. Is there a wheelchair accessible stall that has an area of at least 5 feet by 5 feet, clear of the door swing OR is there a stall that is less accessible but that provides greater access than a typical stall?

A stall that is 36-48 inches by 69 inches would provide greater access. Sometimes relocating partitions or reversing the door swing can provide sufficient access.

11. In the accessible stall are there grab bars behind and on the side wall nearest to the toilet?

Grab bars must be securely attached to the wall.

12. Is the toilet seat 17 to 19 inches high?

If not, a raised toilet seat can be installed.

13. Does one lavatory (sink) have a 30 inches wide and 48 inches deep clear space in front?

This clear space allows a wheelchair user to approach the lavatory. Up to 19 inches of this space may be under the lavatory.

14. Is the lavatory rim no higher than 34 inches?

This height restriction allows someone to reach the lavatory comfortably.

15. Are there at least 29 inches from the floor to the bottom of the lavatory apron (excluding pipes)?

This allows a wheelchair user to comfortably approach the lavatory.

16. Can the faucet be operated with one closed fist?

17. Are soap and other dispensers and hand dryers 48 inches high or less and usable with one closed fist?

People with limited dexterity must be able to operate faucets and dispensers.