Perceived attributes and dimensions ofaccessibility in adapted bathrooms

Marcelo Benetti Correa da Silva, Suane de Atayde Moschen, Brunella

Cecatto & Fabiano Larentis

This work aims to explore the perceived accessibility of adapted toilets according to the user’s

perspective, indicating the relevance of their attributes and features for persons with reduced

mobility. There are recent studies addressing accessibility, but few focus on adapted toilets,

making this study of adapted toilets in Brazil unique. A total of 98 disabled users with restricted

mobility and carers took part in a survey after using adapted toilets. The study sample variance

resulted in 27 attributes, distributed in eight factors: accessories, transit ability, access, hydro

sanitary facilities, facilities, openings, safety, and ergonomic comfort. Multiple linear regression

analysis was applied to identify attributes with impact on general satisfaction. The results

identified three primary attributes in terms of design, execution and improvement of the user

experience. Findings demonstrate a gap between the recommended standards and what the

user perceives to be important, which has ramifications for the further development of

standards and the design and construction of adapted toilets. The implication is that it is

necessary to pay more attention to what the users need, and thus help to improve the users’

experience, satisfaction and wellbeing.

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