Overview
Having a single accessible family restroom will meet many needs, especially if a spouse or parent of the opposite gender needs to assist a family member. Often a little-used closet can be converted, as approximately 6’ by 6’ is sufficient space as long as there is easy access to plumbing and sewer. Using donated or volunteer labor can reduce your costs. The following tips will help you create functional access if you are unable to afford a full ADA remodel.

Door

• Room door: Provide a 36” wide door with at least 32” clearance. Offset hinges make a door open flush instead of taking space. Doors should be easy to open (no more than 5 lb. pressure). Adjust door closers if needed. Lever handles are best. Prop the door if privacy can be maintained, and post a sign indicating accessibility.

• Stall door: Have loop or other easy-to-use pulls on both sides and a locking mechanism that doesn’t require coordination, pinching, or twisting the wrist.

Toilet

• Seat height: at least 17” high and 16–18” from the wall.

• Clamp-on 2” raised toilet seats can be a temporary solution.

• Install a horizontal grab bar on the wall next to the toilet (33–36” from the floor).

• A second bar behind the toilet is ADA-required but rarely needed.

• Place toilet paper dispenser 7–9” in front of the toilet, between 15”–48” from the floor, but not where it interferes with the grab bar.

Sink

• Use an open-style sink (with or without counter), no higher than 34”, with at least 27” clearance underneath.

• Faucets should be easy to operate (paddle or lever handles).

• Pad pipes below the sink to prevent burns or injury (foam pipe insulation works well).

Paper Towels and Soap

• Mount dispensers with operable parts no higher than 48”.

• Placing paper towels and soap containers on the counter is acceptable.

• Use unscented soaps and cleaners.

• Avoid wall-mounted “air fresheners.”

Mirror

• Bottom edge should be no higher than 40”.

• If the mirror is too high, add a mirror tile below or place a full-length mirror on a nearby wall.

Hooks

• Coat/bag hooks should be no higher than 48” and flat in style to avoid injury.

Seating

• If space allows (without blocking the 5’ turning radius), add a chair for flexible use.

Sample Restroom Layout
(Image reference: Accessibility Audit for Churches, 2010. Shepard, C.H. & Greenstein, D. UMCOR Health)

For more technical details, see the ADA Plumbing Elements chapter from the Access Board.