Toilets for Functional Accessibility
To create a toilet that is accessible to people of all abilities and heights, it is essential to consider factors such as the height of the seat, the surrounding space, and the placement of grab bars. These guidelines will help ensure that the toilet is safe and easy to use for everyone. A well-designed bathroom should cater to the needs of a diverse range of users, including individuals with mobility challenges, caregivers assisting dependents, children, and those who require additional hygiene options. Accessible stalls must offer ample space for safe transfers, with support bars placed at heights suitable for users of varying statures. Emergency assistance devices should be within easy reach, allowing users to call for help when necessary. Additionally, compact stalls can be designed for users who value efficiency, minimizing restroom wait times.

- Toilet Seat Height: Should be between 45 cm and 50 cm from the floor. Taller individuals may prefer closer to 50 cm for easier sitting and standing, while shorter individuals may find 45 cm more comfortable.
- Transfer Space: Requires a minimum clearance of 80 cm wide × 120 cm deep for wheelchair or mobility device users. Taller individuals benefit from the full 120 cm depth for extra legroom, while shorter users may need lower grab bars for better support.
- Grab Bars:
- Height: Should be installed between 70 cm and 75 cm from the floor—higher (75 cm) for taller users, lower (70 cm) for shorter users.
- Distance from Toilet Seat: 20 cm to 25 cm from the edge of the seat for optimal reach.
- Spacing Between Bars: 65 cm to 70 cm apart—wider (closer to 70 cm) for taller users, narrower (65 cm) for shorter users for easier access.
- Length: 80 cm to 90 cm—longer (90 cm) for taller users, shorter (80 cm) for smaller reach.
- Diameter: 4 cm to 6 cm—thicker (6 cm) for larger hands, thinner (4 cm) for smaller hands.
- Wall Clearance: Bars should have a 5 cm gap from the wall for a secure grip.
- Emergency Assistance Devices: Should be placed between 80 cm and 110 cm from the floor to ensure accessibility for all users, with both auditory and visual alerts.
- Hygiene Features: Toilets should be equipped with bidets or handheld sprays to accommodate users requiring additional hygiene support.
Sources
- https://accessible-eu-centre.ec.europa.eu/content-corner/digital-library/en-172102021-accessibility-and-usability-built-environment-functional-requirements_en
- https://hcma.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/HCMA_Designing-for-Inclusivity_V1-1.pdf
- https://universaldesign.ie/built-environment/building-for-everyone/building-for-everyone-full-series