Accessible Unisex

Accessible unisex sanitary accommodation should be provided for those that require it; providing the equitable provision with the same level of dignity as separate-sex facilities.

The following list describes the minimum requirements:

Where only one of any unisex accessible facility is provided, it should be designed for right-hand transfer. Where more than one of any unisex facility can be accommodated, a choice of left-hand and right-hand transfer layouts should be provided. It is recommended that unisex accessible toilets are provided for both left-hand and right-hand transfer to accommodate as wide a range as possible of assisted and independent disabled users. [11]

The unisex accessible toilet and unisex accessible baby changing facility have should be provided in separate rooms to safeguard the availability of the toilet for those who need it. It is desirable, but not mandatory, for the accessible baby changing facility to incorporate a WC. [12]

Accessible and unisex sanitary accommodation is often subject to misuse by the general public due to the self-contained nature of these facilities. For this reason, accessible facilities should be fitted with controlled access through use of a RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) approved lock.

Unisex sanitary accommodation that is not designed for use by PRMs, such as
a dedicated gender-neutral WC, should not have controlled access to safeguard the availability of the facility for all those who require it.

Specialist facilities such as a Changing Places toilet should be available and fully operational for customers who require them. Where there is a risk of a facility being mistreated by others, the facility should be locked with a key or code particular to the MSA (not RADAR). Visitors should be able to request the code, usually through an attendant, which relies on a member of staff being available at all times.

Inclusive wayfinding is a key part of the design of accessible and unisex facilities, facilitating easier access for persons of reduced mobility (PRMs).

Sufficient colour contrast between elements on signage should be checked using the Light Reflectance Values (LRV) of each colour. Colours should meet the industry standard of a
minimum 70% LRV contrast between sign text/pictogram and background, and comply with the contrast table as in BS EN 16584-1:2017 Part 1: Contrast.

Wayfinding strategies should consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people. Toilets should be provided with repeater speakers from the public address system so that people using WC facilities do not miss important information. [13]

If braille signage is provided it should be easy to locate and should be integrated as part of a sensory or tactile trail provided to guide users to facilities.