Home Resource Links Forms Newsletter Utah Bulletin Board FAQ Contact Us About Us Site Map  
 
Getting Started
Get Diagnosed
Gathering Important Information
Organizing Your Information
The Educated Parent
Early Intervention
What To Do First
What is Early Intervention?
Research
Introduction
Keeping an IEP Notebook
Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Conducting an IEP Meeting
Individuals With Disabilities Act
IDEA ACT - A Quick Reference
IDEA Legal Text
Family Finances
Recommended Resources
Housing
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Housing options
Building a New House ~ That Works!
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Entrances and Thresholds
Single Family Home Resources
Remodeled Bathroom
Ceiling Lifts
Problem Spaces
Adding a Ramp
Good Restroom
Not So Good Restrooms
Great Space Adaptions
Not So Great Adaptations
Ramp Design
Ramp Design (Part 2)
Commercial Ramps
Public Access Ramps
Adding a Ramp
Retrofit Door Sill Ramp
Insurance
Medical Bills
Filing an Appeal
Medical Expenses and Income Taxes
Finding Help for the Uninsured or Underinsured
Free or Discounted Prescription Programs
Medicaid Waivers
Legal Adults - Introduction
Guardianship and Declaration of Incapacitation
Establishing Guardianship and Obtaining a Declaration of Incapacitation
Dependency Determination (Military)
When to Start the Transition Process
Begin Transition - Age 14-16
Exploring Possibilities and Guardianship Issues - Age 17
Age 18
After High School Graduation - Age 19-22
Post High School Education Options
Future Housing Options
Specialized Medical Equipment
Wheelchair Evaluation
Wheelchair Safety
Introduction: Special Needs and the Military Family
DEERS & ID Cards
Dependency Determination
TriCare Introduction
TriCare Program Options
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Individual Case Management
TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)
Early Intervention
Housing Options
Family Support Services
Community Contacts
Letters of Medical Sufficiency
Wheelchair Accessible Vans
Van Conversion: A good Example
Fund Raising - The Flamingo Air Project
Utah DSPD Complaint List Winter 2011
 

The Search for a Good, Accessible Public Restroom

We are constantly on the lookout for "good" restroom facilities. Whether shopping, dining out, taking a simple road trip, attending church services or a theater production the entire activity becomes a bit problematic as we have to be constantly on watch for a "good" ADA compliant restroom to use.

Public restrooms that meet (or exceed) ADA requirements, can be as scarce as hen's teeth, at least here in Utah. And we are not alone in this observation. When we find a good one, it gets marked on our map so we'll know where to stop the next time we are in that area.

Characteristics of a Good ADA Compliant Public Restroom

  • Parking lot accessibility. This goes without saying. Can't get in the building? Forget the restroom.
  • Safe sidewalk kept clear in bad weather with proper railings and pedestrian cuts.
  • ADA width doorway into the building.
  • ADA width doorway into the restroom.
  • ADA width doorway to the stall.
  • Stall should meet or exceed the 5 ft. radius, UNIMPEEDED! (Don't fill that space with "stuff". Leave the floor space clear)
  • Stall should have some clear space for a personal assistant, should the need arise.
  • Accessible sink.
  • Reachable towel dispenser and garbage can.
  • Easy way out! The restroom space should not be so tight that persons cannot pass to enter or exit the room.
  • Clean and neat.

Linda has begun collecting photos of public restrooms that illustrate good (or BAD) restroom design. This will allow consumers to develop an eye for good design, safety features and assist in choosing designs for their own personal use. Keep in mind these restrooms are, in most instances, in daily use.