Jessie Jacobs has
a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and over fifteen years of experience
in the design field. Accessible Bathroom Design - Tearing Down the Barriers,
is the result of that experience and Jacobs' extensive research in adjustable/adaptable
design. Although written to inform care givers and physically handicapped
people about designing safe and accessible bathrooms, this practical
guide can be used by anyone who wants to add value to their home by
creating a safer bathroom environment.
The author quotes
statistics that suggest - 37% of the population of the United States
of America have some form or, multiple forms, of disability. Jacobs
goes on to state: "A growing segment of this group is the elderly who,
according to the 'middle series' projections, will more than double,
between now and 2050, to 80 million." Considering these statistics,
it is only reasonable to think that, any bathroom remodeling job can
be made better if issues of accessibility are addressed. In this practical
guide, you will learn how to plan your design to take into consideration
the needs of one handicapped individual or improve the overall design
to make your bathroom a safer place in general.
Every chapter of
this book is packed with useful information. The page layout is particularly
good. Each chapter addresses one concept fully and sets out the main
considerations in bullet form. Easy to read and written in simple language,
the book serves as a ready reference for any of the design concepts
discussed. There are over a dozen diagrams depicting space and height
and reach requirements to illustrate each concept.
Designing for wheelchair
accessibility is fully covered. How much clearance room is needed to
transfer a person from the wheelchair to the toilet? The author offers
two options, the diagonal approach and the side approach, with illustrated
dimensions for both types.
There are suggestions
for improvements to assist the visually impaired, deaf, and those with
mobility problems as well as suggestions on choosing materials with
general safety in mind.
I believe every
bathroom essential is addressed. There are practical hands-on tips and
interesting ideas on mirrors, fixtures, lighting, flooring, storage,
and other items not ordinarily considered to be bathroom accessories.
The section on installing a telephone in the bathroom is particularly
innovative and makes so much sense, I wondered why I had not thought
of communication devices as bathroom essentials.
Whether you are
doing renovations yourself or hiring a contractor to do them for you,
everything you need to know to make your bathroom safer and more accessible
can be found in this book. While I have seen other books addressing
bathroom design, this is the only one I've read that completely covers
the concerns of persons with disabilities and offers solutions for the
elderly. Jacobs says, "With the proper planning the elderly can continue
to live in their environment with some degree of dignity and independence."
"Accessible Bathroom
Design" is the definitive guide to bathroom remodeling for persons with
disabilities as well as a practical handbook for anyone looking for
innovative remodeling ideas for the bathroom. Highly recommended.
