Controls and operating mechanisms
Faucets for accessible lavatories, showers and baths and controls for accessible toilets, urinals and other restroom accessories must meet ADAAG specifications.
All push buttons, valves, knobs and levers must be operable with one hand, without twisting the wrist or tightly grasping or pinching the control. The maximum force required to operate a faucet or control must not exceed 5 lb. Self-closing faucets that remain open at least 10 seconds are acceptable.
Handicap Toilets (Water Closets)
All restrooms that include toilet stalls in new construction must provide at least one accessible standard compartment that complies with ADAAG requirements. A standard compartment has a minimum width of 60" and a length that allows using a wheelchair to approach the toilet either from the front or side. Horizontal grab bars must be mounted behind the toilet and on the nearest wall or partition.
An alternate compartment, with a width of 36" and grab bars on either side, is acceptable in alterations where a standard stall is technically impossible. An alternate compartment is required in addition to a standard compartment in all new construction that provides six or more stalls.
Seat heights must be 17" to 19" above the finished floor. Flush controls must be placed on the open side of the toilet with the most clear floor space and mounted no higher than 44" above the finished floor.
Handicap Urinals
When urinals are provided in men's restrooms, the design must include at least one wall-hung or stall-type handicap urinal with an elongated bowl installed with its rim no more than 17" above the finished floor. Although ADA does not specify the dimension, several states, including California, Texas and Illinois, require a urinal lip to extend a minimum of 14" from the finished wall. Flush controls must be mounted no more than 44" above the finished floor and comply with ADAAG specifications. A minimum clear floor space 30" wide by 48" deep must be provided to allow forward approach to the urinal.
ADA Showers
Wheelchair accessible ADA Showers can be either 1) Roll in Showers or 2) Transfer Showers.
ADA roll in showers must provide an inside shower dimension of 60" (1220 mm) x 30" (716 mm). The controls and spray unit on the back (long) wall shall be located a maximum of 27 inches (685 mm) from the side wall where the seat is attached.
 
ADA Transfer Showers must have inside dimensions of 36" (915 mm) x 36" (915 mm), The clear floor space shall be at least 48" (1220 mm) and allow for a parallel approach. The clear floor space shall extend 1 foot beyond the shower wall on which the seat is mounted.
Examples of ADA Showers
ADA Shower Seats
A seat shall be provided in shower stalls 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) and shall be as shown in the above diagram.
The seat shall be mounted 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) from the bathroom floor and shall extend the full depth of the stall. In a 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) shower stall, the seat shall be on the wall opposite the controls.
Where a fixed seat is provided in a 30 in by 60 in minimum (760 mm by 1525 mm) shower stall, it shall be a folding type and shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the controls.
The structural strength of seats and their attachments shall comply with ADAAG 4.26.3 which specifies structural strength of grab bars, tub and shower seats, fasteners and mounting devices. The materials must be rated to handle a stress load of 250 lbs. per foot in all directions.
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Bathrooms
