What Fixtures Should Not Be Missing From an Accessible Shower

The legislation that calls for public buildings to be accessible to disabled persons provides for mandatory measures that should be taken. One of the most important aspects of adapting a building for disabled persons is the obligation of having accessible showers. These facilities are also known as ADA showers, barrier free showers or handicap showers, although the last name is somehow discouraged in modern usage. Barrier free showers should comply with a number of regulations in order to be labeled as an ADA compliant shower. These regulations concern the dimensions of the shower cabin - they must allow for the easy maneuvering of a wheelchair. Wheelchair accessible showers should not be fitted with a threshold or other feature that could deny the access of a disabled person.

Instead, a linear drain system with low profile can be mounted at the entrance of the shower, as long as there is no recession between the drain and the floor. The drain system must be able to withstand the weight of the disabled person and the wheelchair, and should be preferably built of a durable material like stainless steel.

Besides the rules of accessibility, ADA showers must be fitted with seating. This is true both for roll in showers and transfer showers, where the disabled person moves from the chair to the seating. The seating in an ADA shower must be placed at a height that makes it easy for the disabled person to sit on. The seating must also be made from durable, water resistant and hygienic material.

Other essential fixtures in ADA showers are handles or grab bars mounted on the wall of the shower cabin. Disabled persons use the handles to transfer from the wheelchair to the seating of the accessible shower cabin. They should be able to hold the weight of an adult person and should be covered in special anti-slip materials to avoid accidents.

In roll in showers, the faucet should be placed at a low height, to allow easy manipulation. Also the faucet should be fitted with long levers, which can be operated with a closed fist. The showerhead itself must be constructed after the principles of universal design and allow manipulation by people with various types of disabilities. The shower should be fitted with a hose, rather than being fixed in the wall, so it can be used both as a fixed shower and a handheld shower.

Keep in mind that not all accessible showers are ADA compliant. If in doubt, look up the legislation on the internet or ask for the services of a specialized contractor or consultant.

In this article Jonathon Blocker writes about

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