25 October 2024
Watch time: 2 minutes 17 seconds / Read time: 2 minutes / Updated: October 25, 2024
Navigating an accessible washroom or ambulant toilet cubicle can be extremely challenging for visually impaired individuals if the ergonomics and colour contrast of the design are not considered and implemented.
This video will highlight those challenges and explain how properly designing washrooms for visual impairments can make a significant difference in creating accessible and user-friendly spaces.
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Make accessible washrooms safer for visually impaired people
There are various ways to enhance the safety and usability of accessible washrooms for individuals with visual impairments.
Here are three key accessible washroom design tips:
1. Touch free washroom products
Without the need to locate and touch various fixtures, individuals can navigate the washroom more easily with touch free washroom fittings, such as automatic flush plates.
2. Contrasting washroom accessories
Choosing suitable colours for washroom products, such as grab rails, in contrast to the colours of the washroom design, helps individuals with visual impairments easily distinguish and identify them.
3. Washroom signage
Designing washrooms for visual impairments also entails incorporating effective signage, including braille, to assist individuals in identifying washroom amenities.
Washroom features for visually impaired individuals
One of the most important features when designing washrooms for visual impairments is the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) on the accessible washroom products.
According to the specifications outlined in Document Part M and BS8300, surfaces with an illuminance exceeding 200 lux should maintain a minimum LRV contrast difference of 20 points.
However, it is advisable to aim for an LRV contrast difference of 30 points or more for optimal visibility.
Learn how to design an accessible washroom using the LRV colour chart.