C14: Bathroom Accomodations

(2 points)

INTENT

Provide bathrooms that support the needs of all individuals.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires bathrooms to include basic sanitary materials and to support accommodations for users with diverse needs.  

ISSUE

Bathrooms are one of the most critical building amenities, as they must be responsive to and accommodate a wide range of human needs and abilities. Unfortunately, many buildings do not provide equity in bathroom access to those of all abilities and genders. Women often struggle to get the bathroom accommodations they need due to an insufficient quantity of bathrooms and lack of sanitary materials. Caregivers to small children, older adults or other individuals who require assistance frequently lack access to facilities that support their needs.

SOLUTIONS

A variety of design considerations exist to make bathrooms available and inclusive for all. It is estimated that at least a quarter of all adult women are menstruating at any time, and bathrooms should provide convenient access to hygienic products and trash receptacles in all stalls. Furthermore, baby changing stations, which are increasingly found in men’s, women’s and family bathrooms, are often regarded as an essential feature in public and private facilities. Single-user facilities provide safe, comfortable bathroom availability for individuals of all gender identities. Finally, an increased presence of family bathrooms can help accommodate parents with infants or small children and support caregivers of individuals with mental and physical disabilities of all ages, such as those living with Alzheimer’s.

IMPACT

Inclusive bathrooms can accommodate the various needs of diverse populations, promote gender equality and support the health needs of all individuals.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Provide Essential Accommodations (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces except Dwelling Units

The following requirements are met:

1. Bathrooms meet local accessibility code without exclusions or exemptions.
2. The quantity and location of bathrooms are determined based on actual or anticipated occupant demand.  
3. All bathrooms provide the following:
   1. Toilet paper.
   2. Trash receptacles in stalls (in women’s and single-user bathrooms). If toilet paper cannot be flushed down toilets, trash receptacles must be in all bathroom stalls.
   3. Sanitary pads and/or tampons at no cost or subsidized by at least 50% (in women’s and single-user bathrooms).
4. All occupants have access to at least one bathroom per floor that provides the following:
   1. Syringe drop box.
   2. Infant changing tables.

Part 2

Provide Single-User Bathrooms (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces except Dwelling Units

Single-user bathrooms meet the following requirements:

1. Includes sign or label with text and/or symbols to indicate that the room is a bathroom and that it is inclusive of all genders. 

2. Provide the following:

   1. Toilet paper.
   2. Trash receptacle.
   3. Sanitary pads and/or tampons at no cost or subsidized by at least 50%.

3. Meet local accessibility code without exclusions or exemptions. 

4. Meet occupant demand in quantity and location based on size of project (to ensure bathrooms are conveniently located for all occupants).

Part 3

Provide Family Bathrooms (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces except Dwelling Units

All family bathrooms meet the following requirements:

1. Meet local accessibility code without exclusions or exemptions. 

2. Accommodate expected demand and number of individuals in need of accompaniment or assistance in the bathroom (e.g., children, persons with Alzheimer’s, individuals with other mental or physical disabilities).

3. Contain the following accommodations:

   1. Infant changing table and holding chair.
   2. Children’s toilet facilities or accommodations for child use of adult size toilet.
   3. Children’s sinks or accommodations for child use of adult size sink (e.g., availability of stepstool).
   4. Motion sensor lights.
   5. Skid resistant floors.
   6. Safety grab bars.

© International WELL Building Institute