Geberit has issued a new white paper that discusses the importance of understanding criteria for designing an ADA-compliant restroom: Overcoming Accessibility Design Challenges in the Restroom with In-Wall Technology. By carefully evaluating the accessible restroom criteria, the toilet compartment can be responsive to a wide range of human needs and accommodate people with an equally wide range of abilities.
Although there are an almost infinite variety of “conditions” that define accessibility, this paper focuses on one aspect of the restroom that is, perhaps, the essence of the restroom: the single-occupant, accessible compartment area where the toilet and flush valve are located.
The white paper reviews the two primary sources for accessibility information: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and The Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (ICC/ANSI A117.1). Further emphasis is on wheelchair accessible sinks and counters focusing on the toilet criteria.
As outlined in the white paper, there are always difficulties designing a restroom space while complying with ADA regulations, especially in small, tight areas. The challenge is to find alternative solutions or innovative methods that do not conflict with standards. Regardless of which toilet compartment is designed, Geberit recommends wall-hung toilet bowls. For example, providing an ideal seat height in multi-use facilities is a design challenge as people have varying abilities and needs. The wall-hung toilet can easily accommodate the toilet seat height requirement of a 17 inches (430 millimeters) minimum to 19 inches (485 millimeters) maximum measured to the top of the seat.
Geberit in-wall systems with single or dual-flush actuators are easily concealed in standard 2- by 4-foot or 2- by 6-foot wood or metal frame walls. The virtually maintenance-free system allows easy access to all internal components, including the fill and flush valves through a decorative actuator flush panel. No tools are needed for simple repairs. The carrier can be adjusted to varying seat heights ranging from 15 to 19 inches and can support up to 880 pounds. Geberit’s space-saving system makes it possible to position fixtures in any part of the restroom while concealing plumbing hardware, unlocking design opportunities like no other restroom products.