36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines - Preamble (Discussion of Comments and Changes)

Section 213.3 addresses plumbed fixtures and accessories. Substantive changes have been made to scoping provisions for ambulatory accessible toilet compartments (213.3.1) and urinals (213.3.3).

Comment. The proposed rule, consistent with the original ADAAG, required that access for people who are ambulatory be provided, in addition to wheelchair accessible compartments, in toilet rooms with six or more toilet compartments. Ambulatory accessible stalls feature parallel grab bars on both sides and a self-closing door and are designed to accommodate people who may have difficulty walking, sitting, or rising. Comments pointed to a disparity in the application of this requirement between men’s and women’s rooms since the provision is triggered by the number of compartments without taking into account urinals. The number of toilet compartments in a men’s rooms may be lower than in a women’s rooms due to the provision of urinals.

Response. The requirement for ambulatory accessible compartments has been revised so that it applies equitably between men’s and women’s rooms (213.3.1). The provision has been modified to apply where six or more toilet compartments are provided or where "the combination of urinals and water closets totals six or more fixtures."