{"id":1343,"date":"2022-02-10T13:21:15","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T18:21:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patientsafetyusa.com\/?p=1343"},"modified":"2022-05-06T10:04:01","modified_gmt":"2022-05-06T14:04:01","slug":"restaurants-can-do-better-with-restroom-accessibility-heres-how","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patientsafetyusa.com\/blog\/restaurants-can-do-better-with-restroom-accessibility-heres-how\/","title":{"rendered":"Restaurants can do better with restroom accessibility. Here\u2019s how."},"content":{"rendered":"

For many people all over the world, going to the restroom at your local eatery is a mundane activity that requires little thought. But for those who have disabilities, the first thought upon visiting a restaurant is, \u201cWhat challenges will I encounter when I go to the restroom?\u201d and even, \u201cWill I be able to get to the restroom at all?\u201d Handicap signs do little to quell this anxiety, as the ADA regulations designed to provide equal access are often not enforced.<\/p>\n

It should go without saying, but bare-minimum level accessibility is unacceptable and should no longer be an option. Everyone deserves the right to enjoy a meal out and use the restroom \u2013 without worrying about seemingly basic tasks like fitting through the doorway, navigating to the stall and washing their hands.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re calling on restaurant owners to review the layout of their restrooms and ask themselves whether they are truly accessible to all customers. The following are solutions to just a few common problem areas we\u2019ve encountered with restaurant bathrooms.<\/p>\n

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\n1. Make it clear that your restroom is accessible.<\/b><\/p>\n

It sounds obvious, but not all restaurants have appropriate handicap signage outside their restrooms. Further, it takes significant effort and maneuvering for those with wheelchairs, scooters and walkers to navigate through a restaurant around other customers; if your restroom door is not immediately visible (i.e. it\u2019s located down a hallway or around a corner), it\u2019s important to place handicap signage in a place where customers will see it, with arrows directing them toward the restroom if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: <\/span><\/i>customers with disabilities often research establishments prior to visiting, so you may want to indicate on your website that you have an accessible restroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Install a sink that\u2019s accessible to mobile device users.<\/b><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s common to find restrooms with accessible entrances and handicap stalls, one often-overlooked area is the sink. Hand washing sinks frequently exceed the appropriate height for non-ambulatory customers, or are constructed with barriers that prevent full access for mobile devices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider these questions:<\/span><\/p>\n