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Abstract
ADA accessibility guidelines are based primarily on the capabilities of young people, and as such may not compensate adequately for the range of comorbidities and secondary conditions that are common among older people with disabilities. This paper reviews findings from three studies of toilet transfer which suggest that ADA accessibility guidelines (ADAAG) for toilet and grab bar configurations do not meet the needs of older adults. The first study, a nationwide survey of people with mobility impairments, assessed difficulty with ADA-compliant and other toilet/grab bar configurations. The second, a laboratory study of grab bar use, evaluated the effectiveness of different grab bar configurations. Finally, the third study evaluated four new toilet designs with built-in handholds to facilitate transfer. Collectively, these studies indicate that there is a need for alternative ADA Accessibility Guidelines for the Elderly (ADAAGE)
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Notes on contributors
Jon A. Sanford
Jennifer R. Johnson was a graduate student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX at the time of this study. She is currently employed as an Occupational Therapist at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, LA
Debra Stewart is Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University and staff therapist at Erinoak Centre, Missis-sauga, Ontario. She is currently completing a MSc (Design, Measurement and Evaluation) at McMaster University.
Ronald L. Mace (deceased, June 29, 1998) was also affiliated with The Center for Universal Design, School of Design, North Carolina University.
Lois Rosage and Geraldine Shaw are Occupational Therapist Consultants who provide evaluations for the housing programs at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.