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Going to the toilet
Adapting infrastructure to suit disabled people need not be an expensive exercise. Often, it only requires minor adjustments, using locally-available materials.
In terms of water and sanitation for instance, measures could be as simple as introducing markers for blind people to indicate the way to a water source or toilet, and making the paths to these facilities smooth and clear of any obstacles. Or, when installing a water pump, contractors should ensure that the taps and handles are long enough, so that a disabled person can pump water from the edge of the apron (the area of concrete around the pump) and avoid the slippery surface (see diagram on the "Taps and toilets" page).
Even with more complicated construction, simple guidelines may be followed that would ensure that they are accessible for all to use. A good example is accessible toilets. Some typical concerns and features to address these are outlined in the box below:
| Concern |
Accessible feature |
| Access to
the latrine |
• a concrete or earth ramp that finishes level to the latrine floor, with a
maximum gradient of 1:12. Steps should have a handrail for support.
• a door with a clear opening of at least 0.8 metres, that swings outwards
to maximise the space within (with a doorstop to prevent it opening
more than 90 degrees and a rope or rail on the inside) |
| Manoeuvrability |
• clear floor space (minimum 1.75 x 1.55 metres) to allow moving about
with wheelchairs or helpers
• rough cement flooring, that does not become slippery when wet,
especially for people using crutches |
| Support whilst
using the facility |
• handrails including: horizontal or diagonal rails attached to the wall on
either side of the toilet, or fixed to the floor (if iron, should be painted
to avoid corrosion)
• to avoid squatting, either a fixed seat or moveable seat placed over the
toilet hole made of concrete, wood, bamboo or plastic etc. Wood and
concrete should be painted for improved moisture resistance and
hygiene. |
| Private hygiene |
• source of water inside the latrine cubicle |
Janaka Hemathilake
ITDG - South Asia
Hazel Jones
WEDC
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