Accessibility in architecture is about more than simply meeting the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), ICC/ANSI A117.1, and the Ohio Building Code. These codes establish an essential baseline for creating inclusive spaces, and compliance with them is non-negotiable. At MA Design, however, we go beyond these standards to create spaces that support a diverse range of abilities and mobility needs. By designing with greater empathy and anticipation, we create spaces that truly work for more people than ever. Through our experience and extensive meetings with various-abled user groups we have come up with four key ways we are designing beyond accessibility standards to achieve that goal.

1. Redefining Toilet Stalls and Single-Use Restrooms

Restrooms are among the most-used amenities in public buildings, yet their design often fails to consider the wide variety of mobility challenges people face. Recent updates to ANSI A117.1 outline requirements for increased under-stall toe clearance and deeper toilet compartment configurations. This shift provides better access for individuals using larger wheelchairs, children in strollers, or those with different mobility aids.

Our team has adopted equitable approaches to restroom layouts. For instance, we often design accessible restroom stalls to maximize accessibility by capping the end of the restroom block entirely and creating larger, more flexible spaces. This design approach benefits not only those with disabilities but anyone who may need additional space, such as parents with young children or travelers with luggage.

In addition, we prioritize single-use restrooms as they are naturally more inclusive, accommodating users of all abilities, genders, and caregiving needs. These spaces can also reduce waiting times and enhance privacy for users.

2. Incorporating Adult Changing Stations

Adult changing stations are a critical feature that serve a population often overlooked in public architecture. While required by code in some scenarios, their inclusion is increasingly becoming a best practice for buildings that serve the public.

The 2024 Ohio Building Code (OBC) outlines specific requirements for adult changing stations in certain buildings, including highway rest stops and those with assembly or mercantile occupancies large enough to require six or more toilets. Additional cases may also apply based on occupancy and use. For example, higher education facilities must include these stations when 12 or more toilets are required. Yet, many clients are voluntarily including adult changing stations in public spaces to address the needs of caregivers and individuals with disabilities.

Designing for adult changing stations requires thoughtful planning, such as creating family restrooms that are large enough to accommodate both the table and appropriate clearance on two sides of the table. In addition, we discuss future-proofing options with clients, such as installing structural supports and ceiling tracks to accommodate a lift system for transferring individuals onto the changing table. For example, at a renovation we’re working on with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department at the Franklin Park Adventure Center, we implemented a full ceiling track system to address these needs.

By proactively including adult changing stations, we are helping clients serve a broader spectrum of the public and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

3. Designing Durable and User-Friendly Spaces

Accessibility is about more than physical dimensions; it also encompasses how people interact with the environment. To that end, we are incorporating durable materials, user-friendly features, and thoughtful details into our designs to improve the experience for everyone.

• Wall Protection: Taller baseboards (12 inches or more) and door kickplates help protect surfaces from damage caused by mobility aids while maintaining an aesthetic that feels welcoming rather than institutional.
• Automatic Operators: Instead of traditional push buttons, we specify full-length automatic door bars or wave-activated systems, which are more intuitive and easier to use for individuals with varying levels of strength and dexterity.
• Accessible Millwork and Fixtures: Where feasible, our design team works with clients to establish alternate clearances in consideration of power wheelchair users – a segment of the disabled community that is not clearly addressed in ANSI A117.1.
• Thoughtful Hardware Selection: We carefully consider door and cabinet hardware to accommodate users with limited dexterity or strength. Features like touch latches and loop handles placed at accessible heights are small changes that make a big impact on usability.

4. Considering Neurodiversity and Sensory Accessibility

While much of this discussion focuses on physical disabilities, designing for neurodiversity is an equally important aspect of creating inclusive spaces. As awareness of neurodiversity grows, we’ve begun integrating features that accommodate sensory sensitivities and reduce overstimulation.

• Respite Rooms: These quiet spaces offer a retreat for individuals overwhelmed by sensory input, providing a calm environment where they can recharge. Respite rooms are especially valuable in schools, healthcare facilities, and public buildings.
• Acoustic Considerations: Hard flooring can be necessary for wheelchairs but can exacerbate noise issues, which are problematic for individuals with sensory sensitivities. We balance these needs by incorporating acoustic solutions like soft furnishings or sound-absorbing panels.
• Lighting Design: Dimmable, color-changing LED lighting has become a standard feature in many of our projects, offering flexibility to create environments that accommodate a range of sensory preferences. Additionally, we carefully select flooring materials to reduce glare from overhead lighting, improving visibility and reducing potential discomfort from reflected light.

By broadening our understanding of accessibility to include neurodiverse users, we are designing environments that support mental and emotional well-being alongside physical access.

Accessibility as a Holistic Approach

At MA Design, accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating spaces that work for everyone. By going beyond ADAAG and addressing overlooked needs, we help clients design buildings that are inclusive, forward-thinking, and ready for the future. From adult changing stations to innovative restroom layouts, durable materials, and neurodiversity considerations, our team is committed to designing spaces that enhance human experiences for all.

This post was co-authored by Janell Arehart and Bryant Hovest, two of MA Design’s leading voices in accessible design for public spaces. With a deep understanding of inclusive architecture, Janell and Bryant work closely with clients to create environments that prioritize usability, dignity, and equity for all. Their expertise, along with the contributions of many others on our team, continues to push accessibility beyond minimum standards—creating truly welcoming spaces for everyone.