ACCESSIBILITY
Structural reinforcement for the cantilevered change table was achieved through custom-fabricated steel tubing installed in sections according to structural engineering specifications. The reinforcement system incorporated specialised plywood backing and double-layer drywall with fire-rated taping connections to the ceiling slab.
not simply upgraded facilities, but carefully designed spaces that represent a fundamental shift in how healthcare institutions can honour dignity and independence.
The power of lived experience What sets IWK Health apart is its collaborative design process; every accessibility project undergoes rigorous review by the Accessibility Action Group, a multi-disciplinary team that includes members with lived experience alongside those holding Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. This is not a token gesture – it is a recognition that effective design requires diverse perspectives. The washroom project exemplifies this
approach. Input from the Accessibility Action Group, combined with expertise from Occupational Therapy and partnership with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) has created an atmosphere of continuous learning and improvement. As project leaders discovered, no single individual possesses all the insights necessary for creating truly equitable inclusive spaces.
Dignity in design: more than accessibility The impact of these washrooms extends far beyond their physical features. They have sparked organisation-wide conversations about disability, inclusion, and accessibility that are now influencing hiring practices and operational procedures across IWK Health. Barrier-free access to washrooms
transcends mere convenience; it is a fundamental human right that upholds individual dignity. The ability to use a bathroom independently, without needing to seek permission, is vital for maintaining self-respect and autonomy. In a facility dedicated to serving the population across the Maritime provinces, IWK Health
IFHE DIGEST 2026
The integrated gantry track system enables uninterrupted power supply during operation. Both the large change table and gantry are engineered for bariatric patient use, with clearly marked safe weight capacity limits. The equipment maintains full warranty coverage when cleaned with accelerated hydrogen peroxide solutions, ensuring both infection control compliance and equipment protection.
believes all individuals, regardless of age or ability, should have the right to choose and use restrooms in a private and dignified manner.
Innovation in every detail The new washrooms showcase how thoughtful design can address complex accessibility challenges through comprehensive planning that combines operational excellence, safety, universal design, and technical precision:
Operational and safety features Two separate accessible washrooms reduce wait times and provide backup options when one requires maintenance. The user-friendly gantry-lift systems operate without locks, eliminating the
need for keys. The lift motor charges continuously regardless of where it is positioned on the rails to ensure operation in the event of power failures. Full-sized bariatric change tables maximise capacity while minimising safety risks – elimination of pinch points is essential in a facility with many small fingers – and emergency call buttons alert Protection Services while automatically unlocking doors without triggering automatic door openers that compromise the user’s privacy.
Universal design and accessibility standards Visual contrast in paint and flooring assists users with vision impairments, angled mirrors accommodate seated users, paddle taps ensure easy access to warm
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