What do users need?

Most disabled people are not expecting ‘away-from-home’ WCs to be an exact replica of the one in their own home. What they do want is an accessible WC that meets the majority of their needs and where they can see that time and trouble have been taken in the placing of the internal fittings.

Every time a disabled person goes to use an accessible loo, they spend the first minute or so in that loo assessing how they will cope. This will include assessing such things as where to place their wheelchair for transfer, or if walking, themselves in relation to the loo bowl, to sit and stand up; can sticks or crutches be placed safely and remain in reach; where to place personal possessions; is the floor wet or dry, does it feel slippery? If they use a loo riser – will this fit on to the loo bowl? None of this is being fussy, it is about managing one’s own disability limitations as safely as possible. Carers/personal assistants will go through the same process with the disabled person they help so that both know what they are going to do. Disabled people are all individuals and develop different ways of coping.

Talk to disabled people

Try to canvas the opinions of your service users. Involving disabled people in the design process is extremely valuable. However, remember that you are planning a facility that should meet the needs of the majority of disabled people. Not all disabled people will have the relevant expertise. They will know about their own needs, but may not be aware of other disabled peoples’ needs.

Local access groups will have an awareness of the range of needs that have to be met, and will have good practical experience to draw on. Contact RADAR for a list of local access groups.

Unisex WCs

There is a need to highlight the importance of having unisex facilities for disabled people relying on help from carers of the opposite sex. Disabled women have confirmed that they will not use accessible adapted cubicles within female facilities, because they do not want to embarrass husbands or male partners or face the possibility of verbal abuse from members of the general public. Single sex WCs may be essential for some disabled people where cultural practice and belief must be taken into account.

Adult changing benches with hoists

There is a growing need to acknowledge the specific needs of disabled children and adults who require to lie flat in order for their needs to be met. Early on, ITAAL's attention was drawn to their needs by the Profound and Multiple Impairment Service (PAMIS) who are actively campaigning for accessible WCs to be big enough to contain adjustable changing benches and hoists, as well as be spacious enough for one or more carers to give assistance. The Sage Gateshead, designed by Foster and Partners and commissioned by Gateshead Council, offers an example of good WC provision.

Design guidance

For best practice design standards on accessible WCs refer to the Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings 2004 edition, the British Standard BS 8300:2001 (Incorporating Amendment No. 1) Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice and CAE's design guides the Good Loo Design Guide and Designing for Accessibility.

To download examples of CAE accessible WC design guidance click here.