Abstract:

ADA accessibility guidelines are based primarily on the capabilities of young people, and as such may not compensate adequately for the range of comorbidities and secondary conditions that are common among older people with disabilities. This paper reviews findings from three studies of toilet transfer which suggest that ADA accessibility guidelines (ADAAG) for toilet and grab bar configurations do not meet the needs of older adults. The first study, a nationwide survey of people with mobility impairments, assessed difficulty with ADA-compliant and other toilet/grab bar configurations. The second, a laboratory study of grab bar use, evaluated the effectiveness of different grab bar configurations. Finally, the third study evaluated four new toilet designs with built-in handholds to facilitate transfer. Collectively, these studies indicate that there is a need for alternative ADA Accessibility Guidelines for the Elderly (ADAAGE).