ADA Showers for Compliant Bathrooms

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the ADA?

  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that came into being in the USA in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life and to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

  Title III of the ADA is the section regarding Public Accommodations, which sets the minimum standards for accessibility for alterations and new construction of public facilities. Title III is regulated and enforced by the US Department of Justice. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design is the guideline for meeting the minimum accessibility standards set out in Title III of the ADA.

• What is an ADA Shower?

  ADA Showers are designed to meet Federal requirements for ADA code compliance in commercial & public buildings. The American with Disabilities Act specifies shower dimensions, seat height, clearances and accessory configurations to accommodate wheelchair users.

  Freedom ADA showers are quality products that you can depend on for commercial projects in the USA that must follow the requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The information on ADA showers is found in Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities, of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

• What is the difference between ADA and Accessible Showers?

  For private apartments and residential homes that don’t need to be ADA compliant, accessible showers are usually a good choice for residential renovations. They share some similarities to ADA showers, like low thresholds, but accessible showers come in more sizes and configurations to meet a range of needs for renovations.

  Accessible showers are more likely to be multi-piece units to accommodate a renovation, and you can choose where to install accessories for your individual preferences. Click here for more detail on the difference between ADA and Accessible Showers.

• What makes a shower ADA compliant?

  An ADA compliant shower will meet certain design criteria that makes the shower accessible for anyone, including those who use a wheelchair. These criteria include:

  • A threshold height no more than ½” high above the finished bathroom floor. Otherwise, the curb must be flush with the finished bathroom floor.
  • Grab bars in specified locations.
  • Shower seat installed at either 36” x 36” for Transfer Showers or minimum 60” x 30” for Roll in showers and bars as specified.
  • Shower head is mounted on a wall bar and is fixed to the wall and spans the width of the shower.
  • A proper shower layout that allows for the required minimum 59” long space, so it can be used as a handheld or as a fixed shower head.
  • Enough clearance space outside the shower for easy approach by a wheelchair.
• What makes an ADA shower compliant?

  The ADA is a federal legislation, but state and municipal building requirements may add to ADA requirements (but never require less than the federal ADA). It’s important to check with local authorities as well.

• Is ADA federal or state law?

  There are 3 acceptable styles of showers that are ADA compliant for commercial or public use buildings.

  • Transfer Type ADA Shower (36” x 36” inside dimension) Specially designed so that users can transfer onto a shower bench from a wheelchair and rotate under the shower to comply with ADA requirements. ADA Transfer Showers must be exactly 36” x 36” to meet standard.
  • Standard Roll-in Type ADA Showers (minimum 60” x 30” inside dimensions) Make maneuvering with a wheelchair easy, with 60” x 30” of accessible shower space. Some jurisdictions require 62” x 32” inside dimension so that users can spin easily.
  • Alternate Roll-in Type Shower Compartments, have a minimum inside dimension of 60” x 36”, with a minimum 36” wide entry provided at one end of the long side of the compartment.
• Do I need to install an ADA shower?

  For private residential homes, you likely don’t need to be ADA compliant, and can just choose an Accessible Shower. However, if you are receiving funding from any organization, they may have requirements in order to be eligible for funding or reimbursement. Check with local permit and inspection offices to make sure you are compliant.

  For commercial and public buildings, you will likely need to have a percentage of ADA compliant showers installed. There may be some exceptions, but it’s best to check with local permit and inspection offices before specifying or ordering a shower.

• Is ADA compliance mandatory?

  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law, requiring most businesses and public facilities to provide reasonable access and accommodations for all disabled customers, clients, or members of the public. The ADA does not cover private residential homes.

  However, if a business place (of public accommodation) operates out of a private residence, the portions of the residence used for that purpose are subject to ADA regulations. Also, common areas in a residential building would be subject to ADA requirements.

• What accessories are required in an ADA shower?

  An ADA-compliant shower must include:

  • Grab bars installed on the back wall and the wall with the controls, 33–36 inches from the floor.
  • A folding or fixed seat that supports at least 250 lbs.
  • Shower controls and spray unit positioned so they can be reached from the seat.
  • Slip-resistant flooring.
• Can ADA showers have custom finishes or designs?

  Yes. You can choose different wall colors, textures, and hardware styles as long as the layout, dimensions, and required features meet ADA specifications.