What Are Roll-in Shower Rooms?

Definition

• A roll-in shower room is designed to assist individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids to shower. The room is not only large enough to accommodate a mobility aid, but also includes built-in equipment that ensures the room is functional for those who use it.

Features

• Roll-in shower rooms must meet size specifications, and they also include specific features, including a grab bar, fold-down seat, mixing valve, shower spray unit and soap dish. The features are designed so individuals are able to enter the room and utilize the shower functions safely.

ADA Compliance

• The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that certain facilities include roll-in showers as part of their design. For example, lodging facilities such as motels and inns with more than 50 guest rooms must provide a certain number of roll-in showers per number of guest rooms available. The ADA states that these roll-in showers must include permanent fold-down seats and have a specific layout and size.

Commercially Available Roll-in Shower Rooms

• Companies that specialize in barrier-free home installation products for people with disabilities sell both multipiece and one-piece roll-in shower rooms. Versions are available for both new construction, for example new residential and commercial developments, and installation in existing properties.