There are two basic designs for toilet partitions made to accommodate a user with a disability:
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet Compartments
- Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartments
Although they are slightly different, both designs must meet the ADA regulations for toe clearance and compartment doors
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet Compartments
A Wheelchair Accessible Toilet Compartment is a large stall that accommodates people who use wheelchairs. Each public restroom must have at least one wheelchair accessible stall. ADA bathroom requirements state that this type of stall shall be at least 56 inches deep for wall-hung toilets and at least 59 inches deep for floor-mounted toilets. The width must be at least 60 inches, as measured from the right angle of the sidewall or partition. A toilet compartment that meets these requirements makes it possible for a person in a wheelchair to maneuver in the stall comfortably and safely. Within this type of compartment, the centerline of the toilet must be located 16-18 inches from the side of the stall. ADA requires that grab bars be located on the rear wall and the sidewall of the partition located nearest to the toilet. Coat hooks and shelves are optional fixtures and should be installed no higher than 48 inches above the finished floor (AFF) and protrude no more than 4 inches from the flat surface. If the door to the toilet compartment swings into the stall, it must not overlap the minimum clearances.
Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartments
An Ambulatory Accessible Toilet compartment is a narrower toilet compartment that is useful for those needing support on two sides to transfer onto a toilet, like those on crutches. An Ambulatory Toilet Compartment is required in restrooms with six or more stalls and urinals combined. These compartments are required to be 60 inches deep and 35-37 inches wide. Toilets shall be located on the back wall of the stall with the toilet’s centerline located 17-19 inches from the sidewall or partition. The design must include grab bars on both sides of the toilet. As with the Wheelchair Accessible stall, doors must not swing into the minimum clearance area.
Toe Clearance
Per ADA bathroom requirements, the minimum toe clearance for accessible toilet stalls is 9 inches above the finished floor. This means that there must be at least 9 inches of space from the bottom of the partition to the top of the floor for the front partition and one side partition. The clearance shall extend at least 6 inches into the accessible compartment. If the accessible toilet partition stall is deeper than 62 inches (wall-hung toilet) or 65 inches (floor-mounted toilet), then toe clearance is not required for the front partition. If the toilet partition stall is larger than 66 inches wide, then toe clearance is not required for the side partition.
Doors
Toilet partition doors must meet the 2010 ADA Standards, including those for door pull hardware and self-closers. Toilet partition doors must have a clear opening width of at least 32 inches when the door is open to 90 degrees. Out-swinging toilet partition doors must have a minimum 42-inch-wide access aisle on the latch side while all other approaches should have a minimum 48-inch-wide access aisle. For privacy purposes, out-swinging doors must also be self-closing. Although it is not required, ADA recommends that all out-swinging doors are flush with partition walls when closed. Doors that are not flush may encroach into the required maneuvering clearance.
The restrooms in your commercial facility must meet the needs of a wide range of users and abilities; making sure your bathroom spaces and toilet stalls are ADA compliant is a great start!