how to make an accessible space: part two

At last, part two arrives! (See part one here). Here are some more pictures showing examples of accessibility and barriers to accessibility.

 Ramps are an accessible alternative to stairs. However, not just any ramp will do. If ramps are too steep, it can be difficult or impossible for wheelchair users to use them.

The slope of a ramp in a public space should be no steeper than 4.8°, or a ratio of 1:12 (so for every inch of height, the ramp should be at least a foot long).

Do you think the ramp in the picture above is too steep or not?

Hmm, the angle is a lot greater than 4.8°...

And it turns out that the rise to run ratio is 1:5, not 1:12- this ramp is way too steep! This can be dangerous for people in wheelchairs.

Sometimes there isn't enough room to build a ramp that is long enough! An alternative solution is a stair lift or a platform lift. (This is a platform lift- it goes straight up and down. Stair lifts are platforms that move along the stairs.)

Many of these lifts require a key to operate- make sure that if it is in a public space, a key isn't required so that it can actually be used! Also, this one has a capacity of one person and a wheelchair. What if the person using the wheelchair requires assistance to operate the lift?

We talked a little bit about elevators last time. One other thing to consider, though: most elevators now have Braille on the inside, so that people who use Braille can select their floor. But how do these people know when the elevator has reached their floor? An auditory floor announcement is helpful in this case. Otherwise, floors should be labeled in Braille right outside the elevator doors, like this:

Another important thing to consider is what happens if the elevator breaks down? Last summer I got stuck on an LRT (commuter train) platform and had to go an hour of my way on the bus, because the elevator broke down while I was at my destination. ETS now has these signs by all the elevators in LRT stations- a great step forward!

Water fountains that are too high up and don't have room for wheelchair users to pull up to them are not very accessible.

This is the closest I can get! I don't think I could get much of a drink...

Finally, we all know now how awesome barrier free, gender neutral bathrooms are. Let's see what one looks like!

Door is wide enough, and clearly marked.

There is room under the sink for a wheelchair to pull up to it, and there is lots of room in the bathroom to manouver. The paper towel holder is a little bit high, though, and it would be nice if there was some counter space or a shelf to put belongings on.

Room under the sink for me to pull up close! The sink and mirror are a little bit on the high side, but the tap turns on and off easily.

Stay tuned! Part three will show some examples of making less accessible spaces more accessible, without spending tons of money.

why gender neutral, barrier free bathrooms are awesome for everyone

It's pretty standard now for public washrooms to have a wheelchair accessible stall. This is a good step forward, but it's far from the best solution. Gender neutral, barrier free bathrooms are awesome for everyone. Here's why.

What is a gender neutral barrier free bathroom?
Good question. These bathrooms are single rooms, just like bathrooms in houses are. They are gender neutral, so anyone can use them. They have a sink that wheelchair users can use easily, a toilet with space beside and in front of it, and grab bars. Usually they will have a sign like this:

photo: Jeffrey Beall

Some also have other useful amenities, such as counter space, seating, or a change table.

Why are these better?

• Gender-neutrality: Gender neutral bathrooms are important for many different groups of people. Gender minorities have a washroom to use that a) doesn't force them to assign themselves a label that doesn't fit  and b) doesn't put them in emotional or physical danger due to people judging that they should not be in whichever gendered bathroom they are in. Gender neutral bathrooms are also helpful for parents and caregivers of young children of different genders who still need some assistance, as well as those with multiple children. Finally, people who require or prefer assistance in the bathroom can be accompanied by someone not of their gender (for example, a husband helping his elderly wife, or a male adult receiving support from a female assistant). And, of course, some of these people may benefit from gender-neutral bathrooms for several of these reasons at once.

• Privacy: Because these bathrooms are usually their own room, they give a lot more privacy than a typical public bathroom stall. People receiving support can do so in a matter that doesn't draw a lot of attention, and people who have alternative hygienic needs can attend to them without their privacy being violated. Parents can fit in the room with their children, as opposed to some public washrooms where in order to assist their child, the stall door must remain open. Children with disabilities can have help in the bathroom or have their diaper changed without other people commenting, or their privacy being violated.

• Self-containment: Because the sink and toilet are in the same room, parents with children can keep them all together until they are completely finished in the bathroom. They don't have to leave children unattended. As well, people can use the sink at any point. This can be useful in a variety of situations: a child who is afraid of the sound of the toilet can wash their hands and then plug their ears while the toilet flushes, or someone can wash their hands first without having to touch a door handle.

• Availability: Many nondisabled people use the wheelchair accessible stall in a public bathroom if it is available, without a second thought. (Is this true in your experience? Think about it!) This means that sometimes people who need the accessible stall have to wait, even though there are multiple non-accessible stalls available. This is less likely to happen if there are gender neutral, barrier free bathrooms right next to typical public washrooms, and so they will be more likely to be available to those who need them.

• Accessibility: Generally, there is more space in these bathrooms. This allows room to maneuver wheelchairs of various sizes, walkers, scooters, and strollers- many of these won't fit in a typical "accessible" bathroom stall! It also allows for enough space to be left beside and in front of the toilet, and ensures that there is an accessible sink. Since grab bars will likely be attached to the wall instead of the side of a stall, they can be more sturdy.

• Multi-use: As you can see, there are lots of different ways many people can benefit from gender neutral barrier free bathrooms. Everyone can benefit from these bathrooms in certain situations- for example, changing clothing without risking dropping it in the toilet, or washing oneself while traveling or when you don't have access to other facilities. People with diabetes can test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin in privacy.

How many gender-neutral, barrier-free bathrooms have you come across?