Shower and bath facilities for disabled people

Wheelchair users and disabled people who are ambulant should be able to wash, shower or bathe either independently or with assistance. The relationship of the shower or bath to other sanitary fittings, and to the space required for manoeuvring, is therefore critical. In buildings where communal shower facilities are provided, many people with a disability will use changing areas that are open to the communal area, whereas some will require the privacy and convenience of an individual self-contained cubicle or compartment. Providing a choice of shower room or bathroom layout, wherever possible, will meet the needs of many people who have a disability and help maintain their independence and dignity.