The Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, is a federal civil rights law that has numerous implications for ADA Restroom Partitions.  This act was written with the goal of providing every person in the USA equal access to restroom services and facilities.  It applies to all people but its primary purpose was to aid those with physical disabilities and in wheelchairs.  The act is long, specific, and some would say, a bit confusing.  Regardless, it is now part of our lives and deeply ingrained in the restroom construction industry.  In addition, building managers and staff, as well as architects, designers, and construction workers, must be aware of and in compliance with the many regulations. 

Why is it so important that public restrooms and ADA Restroom Partitions comply with the ADA regulations?  Because it is considered / defined as discrimination if a person is unable to access restroom services because of a lack of space or some form of a barrier exists.  The implications are enormous for those who are designing new restrooms or remodeling old restrooms.  They should be fully aware of the ADA regulations and how it will impact their work. It should be noted that the ADA applies to public restrooms and that private restrooms, private clubs, and religious entities are exempt.

The original ADA detailed design specifications were originally known as ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG).   These specifications included requirements for ADA Restroom Partitions.  These specifications were later amended and adopted by the United States Department of Justice in order to make the ADAAG legally enforceable.  They are now known as the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (the Standards).  Although “the Standards” are not technically a building code, they apply to most buildings throughout the United States regardless of state or local building codes.

The planning process for new restroom construction usually begins with ADA Restroom Partitions.  Most new restroom construction usually mixes disabled facilities with standard use facilities.  Therefore it is mandatory for designers to understand the space, height, movement / turning, and other requirements.

ADA Restroom Partitions and new restroom construction must have sufficient clear floor space for the disabled in wheelchairs.  The minimum space requirement to accommodate a single wheelchair is 30" by 48" clear floor space. Obviously, more room is desirable to offer easier movement and to avoid scratches, dents, and damage to restroom fixtures.  Some of the required clear floor space can be underneath, sinks, lavatories or other fixtures as long as the required knee and toe clearance requirements are met.

The mounting heights of fixtures throughout the restroom, including fixtures mounted on ADA Restroom Partitions, must comply with the regulations. This would include handrails, grab bars, paper dispensers, toilet locks, and electric dryers.  Side reach requirements for handrails inside partitions are 38" to 54" above the floor.  Forward reach, if necessary, is no more that 48” above the floor.

ADA Restroom Partitions and new restroom construction must also have sufficient turning space for wheelchairs.  Considerable care and thought should be given to this requirement because it is so difficult to change at a later date.  It is suggested that 60 inches in diameter is the minimum adequate turning space.  The clear space inside the restroom partitions should be at least 60 inches by 60 inches to allow for adequate movement and turning.

ADA Restroom Partitions and new restroom construction must plan for entry and exit doors.  The most common configuration, single entry doors, should be at least 32 inches in width to allow comfortable use by a wheelchair. 

There are significant penalties for those whose are determined to have not met the ADA guidelines and discriminated.  Civil actions can be filed against offenders and they are subject to a fine not exceeding $50,000 for a first violation.  The fine can be as high as $100,000 for any subsequent violation.