Planner and Installation Considerations

Planner and Installation Considerations for Toilet Cubicles by Epcot Cubicles Admin February 2025Accessible Toilet Cubicles: Why Inclusive Design Starts with Better Planning and InstallationWhen using public washroom facilities, most people don’t stop to consider the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Yet this simple act of consideration highlights a crucial question: why aren’t accessible washroom and toilet cubicles more widely available – and why isn’t access made simpler?The need for accessible toilet cubicles is not just a matter of convenience – it’s a legal and moral responsibility. Under the Equality Act 2010, providers of public facilities are required to ensure that people with disabilities are not at a disadvantage. However, in practice, these provisions are too often overlooked or implemented as an afterthought.Whose Responsibility Is It? There’s a shared responsibility among planners, designers, and installers to prioritise inclusive design from the outset. Accessibility shouldn’t be an optional extra or something to be retrofitted later – it must be built into the specification from the start.Planners play a critical role in ensuring that accessible cubicles are factored into the initial layout, with prominent positioning and sufficient space allocation. Meanwhile, installation considerations are equally important – from the correct height of grab rails and sanitaryware to the use of compliant door hardware and signage. A collaborative approach at every stage ensures that the end result is both functional and fully inclusive.No Excuses – Just Better Design When space is available, there’s simply no justification for failing to include fully compliant accessible facilities. Just as importantly, these facilities should not be tucked away in obscure corners. Visibility and ease of access are vital – both in terms of physical access and the message it sends about inclusivity.By taking a proactive, informed approach to planning and installation, we can ensure that accessible washrooms meet the needs of every user. It’s time for the industry to make a stronger commitment to equality – not just in words, but through better design and implementation.
UK Government Definition of Disability
UK Gov Definition of Disability Alt Source