On recent shopping trips I have visited the accessible dressing rooms to see if they meet the accessibility requirements. They are usually done correctly, but there are some that have grab bars placed at the back support above the seat. The accessibility standards require that benches have back support located above the bench. A grab bar at the back sticking out from the wall 3" does not provide back support. Also, the standards state that grab bars shall not be placed on the seat back but on adjacent walls. They are not required, but they are recommended to assist people in wheelchairs in transferring to the bench. Also, it helps people who are not in wheelchairs get up and down off the bench, when they are placed on the side.

Review our previous Accessible Benches article for more information on all the requirements.

Allowed Placement of Grab Bars at Accessible Benches