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What is an ADA Compliant Shower?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 to ensure equal access in all areas of life for people with disabilities. While you may not immediately think of showers as an item needing civil rights legislation, think again. Many standard showers designed for homes or settings such as gyms, schools, hospitals and the like are simply not accessible for people with impaired mobility or those who use wheelchairs. An ADA compliant shower is one that has been designed to have a low threshold (or no threshold) making it easy to step or roll in.

Shower Requirements for ADA Compliant Bathrooms

It’s important to understand the difference between an ADA compliant shower and an accessible shower. These two items are similar but not identical. A shower may be accessible to an individual with a disability without being in compliance with ADA standards. If you are purchasing a shower for your home, you don’t necessarily have to meet ADA standards. As long as the person using the shower can enter and shower safely and easily, the shower is accessible.

If you are outfitting a public facility, you do need to meet ADA standards, which are as follows:

  • Roll-In Shower: An ADA approved roll in shower must be a minimum of 2.5’ wide by 5’ long so that a wheelchair can roll in and maneuver into position easily. In some jurisdictions, these dimensions must by 3’ x 5’. This extra space makes it easy for the person’s aide to step into the shower to assist.
  • Transfer Showers: A transfer shower is one that provides space and safety features that help a person transfer from a wheelchair to a shower bench. To meet ADA approval standards, this sort of shower stall must be a minimum of 3’ x 3’ in width and depth.
  • Accessible Threshold: For a shower that is simply accessible, but not ADA compliant, a standard low threshold would usually be acceptable. To meet ADA compliance standards, however, the threshold must be no higher than a half inch and must be beveled to eliminate tripping hazards. This type of shower threshold is considered barrier free because it allows safe and easy access for people using wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Safety Features: Other differences you’ll find in an ADA compliant shower include sturdy, hygienic, easy to install, one-piece construction. They also come with built in grab bars for safety, and a shower seat (solid or fold-up) for comfort and safety while showering. Most are also designed with a hand-held shower for ease of showering and non-slip flooring. These are especially important features for people who need assistance while showering as it gives the aide control over the water flow and sure footing during soaping and shampooing.

How Do You Choose the Right ADA Compliant Shower?

Although you may not see ADA compliant shower stalls on display at your local home improvement center, you can find a wide variety easily by searching home improvement center websites, plumbing websites (e.g. Kohler’s), Amazon and others. You may want to start with a simple Google search for “ADA compliant shower” and go from there. This sort of search will enable you to compare dimensions, materials, installation requirements, costs and more.

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