ADA Showers for Compliant Bathrooms

Frequently Asked Questions:

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• 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.

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• 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 sizes, threshold 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 this page on ADA Showers is found in Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities, of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

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• What is the difference between ADA and Accessible Showers?

  Since private apartments and residential homes don’t usually need to be ADA compliant, accessible showers are usually a good choice for residential renovations. They share some similarities to ADA showers, like a low threshold, but accessible showers come in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet a wider 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 preference. Click here for more detail on the difference between ADA and Accessible Showers.

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• 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 that is no more than ½” high above the finished bathroom floor. Otherwise, the curb must be flush with the bathroom floor
  • an inside dimension of either 36” x 36” for Transfer Showers or minimum 60” x 30” for Roll in showers
  • Grab bars in specific locations.
  • A shower seat (in most cases), that is fixed to the wall and spans the width of the shower
  • A pressure balanced mixing valve to prevent scalding
  • A height adjustable shower head with a minimum 59” long hose, so it can be used as a handheld or as a fixed shower head
  • Enough clearance space outside the shower to allow for easy approach in a wheelchair

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• Is ADA federal or state law?
  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 is important to check with local authorities as well.

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• What size of showers are ADA compliant?

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

  1. Transfer Type ADA Showers(36" x 36" inside dimension) Specially designed so that users can transfer onto a shower bench from a wheelchair parked outside the shower unit. To comply with ADA requirements, ADA Transfer Showers must be properly accessorized.
  2. Standard Roll-in Type ADA Showers (minimum 60" x 30" inside dimension) Makes maneuvering in a wheelchair easy, with 60" x 30" of accessible shower space. Some jurisdictions require a 60" x 36" inside dimension so that caregivers can easily assist.
  3. 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.

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• 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 makes 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. 

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• 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 accommodation for all disabled customers, clients, employees and members of the public. The ADA does not cover residential private apartments and 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 requirements. Also, common areas in a residential building would be subject to ADA requirements.

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