There are universal lines that follow when designing a bathroom toilet with access for the disabled. These guidelines suggest the height of the toilets, sinks, showers, switches and the amount of space it takes to maneuver a wheelchair wheels. The guide Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 can be found in www.access-board.gov. Many products are available to make a bathroom with disabled access and can be stylish and functional.

Instructions

1. Make a list of your needs and desires. Check magazines and cut out pictures of objects you want to include a bathroom with disabled access. Visit websites that offer access products. Choose objects you want to use in your bathroom and print images of objects and leaves with product information.
2. Create a folder to store your ideas and images. Use tabs to divide separating products such as shower, vanity unit, floor, a toilet and accessories. Post pictures and product information sheets in the folder.
3. Draw a plan of the bathroom on the graph paper. Draw the location of the bathtub or shower, a toilet, a sink and vanity. Keep a minimum free floor space of 30 by 48 inches to accommodate a wheelchair. A wheelchair will need a space of at least 60 inches in diameter to make a 360 degree turn. It allows sufficient space to maneuver the wheelchair with freedom in the bathroom.
4. Plan a space for the door is at least 32 inches wide, but preferably 36 inches. Choose a sliding door to allow more space in the bathroom.
5. Design the space Sink the bottom, to allow the wheelchair fit under it. Leave 30 to 34 inches of clearance under the sink. Use water lever-type keys. Put bars for towels to a “reachable distance” to someone sitting.
6. Plan a bath or shower to which you can enter on foot. Design a shower seat or leave room for you to use a wheelchair in the shower.
7. Mirrors designed so that they can tilt, so that you can see while seated.

Tips & Warnings

• Follows the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Plan reinforced wooden walls to install handrails.
• Make everything achievable while sitting.
• Plan a toilet about 18 inches tall.
• Select lever-style door handles.