Do you have several disabled guests coming to your outdoor event? If so, you’ll need to know their unique needs for portable restrooms. You see, there’s a big difference between ADA-compliant and handicap-accessible portable restrooms. If you don’t know the difference, you risk ordering the wrong toilet for your guests. To avoid that issue, read this outline of ADA-compliant vs. handicap-accessible portable restrooms. We’ll break down the key differences between the two so you can make the correct choice for your guests.
Handicap-Accessible Portable Restrooms
Let’s take a look at handicap-accessible portable restrooms first. If a toilet says that it is handicap accessible, that does not mean it’s also ADA-compliant. In fact, they’re two entirely different standards with separate criteria. Here are the essential requirements for a handicap-accessible portable restroom:
- A wider door than standard size to accommodate wheelchairs
- A ramped entrance for wheelchairs
- Enough interior space to do a three-point turn in a wheelchair
These are all simple requirements for portable restrooms. Handicap-accessible restrooms have less stringent requirements than ADA-compliant ones. You can think of them as generalized restrooms for individuals with disabilities. Handicap-accessible toilets are especially suitable for individuals in wheelchairs.
If your guest has more specific needs for a restroom, they will need an ADA-compliant restroom instead. Let’s look at the stringent regulations for ADA restrooms next.
ADA-Compliant Portable Restrooms
ADA is an acronym that stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. It came about in 1990, and it has some strict rules in terms of compliance. An ADA-compliant restroom aims to accommodate individuals with all types of disabilities. In other words, ADA-compliant restrooms are for more than just wheelchair users. Let’s look at the specific regulations that make these restrooms ADA-compliant:
- For every 20 portable toilets on-site, at least one must be ADA-compliant
- Hinged doors or magnetic doors that are easier to close unassisted
- Interior grab bars and reinforced construction
- Enough space for a complete 360-degree turn
- A placard letting patrons know the restroom is ADA-compliant
- A placard in braille with a blue wheelchair sign
As you can see, these regulations are much stricter than handicap-accessible bathrooms. ADA-compliant restrooms are also more expensive than handicap-accessible ones.
To make sure you can accommodate your guests, get to know their needs. Are they in a wheelchair, or do they have a disability that will require more specific accommodations? Knowing this will help you make the right choice when looking for portable restrooms.
If you need a wheelchair-accessible porta potty in Chicago, check out the professionals at Floods Royal Flush. We can handle all your porta potty needs in the city. Feel free to contact us with any questions or get a quote today.
