Let’s Talk about Bathrooms

Everybody poops. Not glamorous, but important—especially if you’re someone who needs more than just a wide stall to safely and comfortably take care of business.

A lot of places proudly claim their restrooms are “ADA compliant.” Great! But here's the thing: ADA is just the starting line. It’s the legal minimum, not a gold standard. If you've ever used a so-called accessible bathroom that felt like an afterthought, you know exactly what I mean.

So what does it look like when someone designs a bathroom with real people in mind? Here are the features that go beyond the bare minimum and make a bathroom truly inclusive—for more bodies, more needs, and more dignity.

Bathroom picture with sink that is inaccessible but toilet with drop support bar — Toilet has a drop bar to assist with standing up from toilet but the sink does not have toe or knee clearance for use of someone with a wheelchair

L-Shaped Grab Bars: Real Support, Real Stability

Most bathrooms stick a horizontal grab bar next to the toilet and call it a day. But L-shaped grab bars give you way more options for support—especially when standing up or shifting side to side. I have had multiple patients that prefer to stack their hands more like using a transfer pole than a horizontal bar. It’s a small upgrade that adds a huge sense of safety and independence.

Adult-Sized Changing Tables

There are many reasons that adults may need a flat surface for hygiene and bowel/bladder management. For example, some people with spinal cord injuries have neurogenic bladder and may need to lay down to empty their bladder or may have aged into an inability to safely stand. And of course, kids with disabilities who did not develop the ability to control their bowel and bladder grow up to adults with disabilities. You’d be surprised how many “accessible” bathrooms don’t have a single place to help an adult with personal care. People end up using the floor of a PUBLIC BATHROOM. If they are lucky they can sometimes use a table or the back of their car but that is a huge problem for privacy. A height-adjustable adult-sized changing table isn’t just about comfort—it’s about respect, hygiene, and basic human dignity. People need care throughout life. Let’s design like that matters.

Adult changing table that has an easy to clean surface, railing with clip on control and is height adjustable — Image from Julie Sawchuk of Sawchuk Accessible Solutions newsletter

Hooks, Shelves, and a Place to Put Stuff

Try hanging your coat or bag when the hook’s over your head—or worse, there isn’t one at all. Low hooks and small shelves within arm’s reach make a big difference. They’re easy to add, easy to use, and show you actually thought about the person using the space, not just the code.

Showers Designed for Real Use

If there’s a shower in your bathroom, make sure it’s actually usable for a seated or rolling user—not just technically “accessible.” That means a true roll-in entry with no lip, a sturdy seat with a backrest (no flimsy flip-downs that feel like they’ll collapse), and a hand-held showerhead mounted low to start—so someone seated can reach it without standing or stretching.

Also: place the soap, shampoo, and conditioner shelves in front of the seat, not off to the side, on the far wall, or above shoulder height. It’s about designing for comfort and independence, not just compliance. A well-designed accessible shower gives people control over their own bathing experience, safely and with dignity.

accessible shower with no lip with a seat, a handrail, and a hand held shower head — Example of accessible shower with a wet room style from Architecture and Access

Sensory-Friendly Lighting and Smells

Good lighting does more than help people see—it creates a space that feels safe and comfortable. Avoid harsh fluorescent lights that flicker or buzz, which can be overwhelming for people with sensory processing disabilities, migraines, or low vision. Choose even, soft lighting with minimal glare.

Strong chemical smells from cleaning products or air fresheners can also be a barrier. For people with asthma, chemical sensitivities, or who use AAC devices (which may rely on breathing support), even a mildly scented soap can make a space unusable. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and regular ventilation go a long way in making restrooms welcoming to more people.

Space for Two (Because Independence Looks Different for Everyone)

Many people don’t go to the bathroom alone—they go with a caregiver, support person, or friend. That means enough room for two people and mobility equipment to move comfortably. A toilet with clearance for a person on both sides, doors that open outward, and enough turning space are examples of thoughtful design. Especially when talking about the shower - shower doors that swing in can really block access. Sometimes a shower curtain in enough.

Bathroom sign with different symbols including handicap, man, woman, gender neutral, alien. Words "Whatever, just please was your hands"

Bottom line

If we’re only building to meet ADA minimums, we’re not doing enough. Those guidelines are important, but they don’t reflect the full range of needs people have in public spaces. Real accessibility happens when we design with actual people in mind—not just a checklist or code book.

Bathrooms should be places where people can take care of themselves with as much independence and dignity as possible. That means thinking about things like adult-sized changing tables, hooks within reach, and roll-in showers that are actually usable. It means paying attention to lighting that doesn’t overwhelm people and avoiding strong chemical smells that can make the space completely off-limits for others.

This isn’t about adding fancy features—it’s about making sure more people can safely, comfortably, and confidently show up in public spaces. When we design that way, everyone benefits.

What important features of accessible bathrooms did I miss? Contact Me and let me know!