• Sensory
• Universal recommendations
• Increase tactile and audio cueing for way-finding, function, and warnings.
• Carefully plan color contrast to highlight edges or borders, such as in the edge of a counter or a border around the floor.
• Reduce the number and depth of obstructions that protrude into the passage space.
• Provide clear sight lines for clients of various heights throughout the space (improves function for all, especially useful to those with hearing issues).
• Plan lighting for nocturnal visits to the bathroom, such as motion sensor lighting, night lighting that fades on/off, or glow-in-the-dark grout.
• Access recommendations
• Plan needed allowance for a service dog or other service animal
• Provide clear floor space according to the dimensions of the client, his/her assistive device and/or caregiver, and maneuvering needs.
• Cognitive
• Universal design recommendations
• Plan doors without locks.
• Consider an out-swinging door to improve access and clear floor space.
• Plan the entire bathroom as a wet area with a supplemental or second drain in the room to make maintenance easier and the space more flexible.
• Do not overuse contrast, particularly on walls and floor borders, as it can confuse and inhibit a person’s maneuvering and must be carefully planned.
• Access recommendations
• Repeat the arrangement of space among multiple bathrooms to reinforce order and function.
• Physical
• Universal design recommendations
• Reduce hallways and right-angle turns to provide easier maneuvering, particularly for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
• Reduce/eliminate the number and depth of obstructions that protrude into the passage space.
• Increase the range for sight lines, especially if the client is seated or exceptionally tall.
• Consider a direct or quick route for egress in case of an emergency.
• Organize space for minimum movement and reduced strength and bending.
• Provide clear floor space/opportunities to operate from a seated position to preserve strength.
• Include support for passing through a space to relieve demands on balance, stamina, and strength.
• Increase clear floor space to ease maneuvering, with particular attention to the door.
• Access recommendations
• Door/entry: 34-inch (864 mm) clear doorways (Access Standard 1).
• Plan a minimum 18 inches beyond the latch by 60 inches (305 mm by 1524 mm) clear floor space on pull side of door, and 12 inches beyond the latch by 48 inches on the push side of the door (305 mm by 1219 mm) (Access Standard 2).
• Provide a minimum clear floor space of 48 inches by 30 inches (1219 mm by 762 mm) at each fixture (Access Standard 4).
• When maneuvering space includes a knee space, especially useful at the vanity/lavatory, use these minimum dimensions: 36 inches wide by 27 inches high by 17 inches deep (914 mm by 686 mm by 432 mm (Access Standard 4).
• Provide clear space for turning for a client using a mobility aid by measuring the client and the device, with minimum guidance being 60-inch (1524 mm) turning radius or 36 inch by 36 inch by 60 inch (914 mm by 914 mm by1524 mm) T-turn (Access Standard 4).
• Include space to store and recharge mobility aid, with consideration to the associated noise.
• Consider the strength and coordination of the client when choosing the door operating system.
