Call to Action: 

• Explore your spaces through a new lens.
• Remove barriers.
• Promote inclusivity.

Abstract: In alignment with the conference theme of “New Horizons in Learning Environments” the design of learning environments adapts to our ever-evolving understanding of student needs – similarly, the design of inclusive spaces also must adapt to this understanding. What makes a room barrier-free? How can we design the most inclusive spaces possible, while respecting budgets and the practicalities of available space? Barrier-free toilets are crucial for helping students, educators, and staff with limited mobility feel like they are included, like their needs were considered and are respected within the built environment. Small interventions can have a large impact and can help reduce daily environmental stressors. This inclusion creates a more welcoming environment for learning and growth. This session will focus primarily on barrier-free toilet rooms, with principles applicable to all types of spaces. We will investigate best practices in barrier-free design – how we can start re-imagining spaces, what inclusive toilet design entails, and common pitfalls along the way. We will explore real-world case studies of the application of these principles to school toilet room renovations that can be applied to your new or renovated projects. Finally, we will share some great, free resources for implementing barrier-free design on your own. This session will include unique perspectives told through the eyes of an architect married to a wheelchair user, who has used her lived experience to hone her expertise in inclusive design.

Learning Objectives:

1. Expand your knowledge of what makes a toilet room “barrier-free”.
2. Learn how to work with different types, and time periods, of existing conditions – to enhance the inclusivity of any toilet room.
3. Explore case studies regarding the intricacies of construction administration on a revamped toilet room in an existing school.
4. Learn about the updated toilet room requirements in the 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.