When businesses think about accessibility, they often focus on ramps, wider doorways, and designated seating areas. But one essential need is often overlooked: accessible bathrooms that provide true independence for people with disabilities. One of the most impactful additions a business can make to an ADA-compliant restroom is a bidet toilet or a bidet toilet seat. For many individuals with mobility limitations, including those with limb differences, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and other conditions, using the restroom independently is a major concern.
By installing bidet toilets in restaurants, airports, movie theaters, and hotels, businesses can significantly improve accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all guests can maintain dignity and independence.
The Importance of Bidet Toilets for Accessibility
For individuals with limited hand function, such as amputees or those with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or arthritis, traditional toilet paper can be nearly impossible to use effectively. I personally require a bidet to maintain hygiene, and without one, I would have to rely on assistance just to use the restroom—a reality that many people with disabilities face every day. This lack of autonomy has often prevented me from visiting certain places alone, simply because I knew I wouldn’t be able to use the restroom independently.
Bidet toilets and bidet toilet seats solve this issue by providing a hygienic, hands-free way to cleanse after using the restroom. Features like adjustable water pressure, warm water, and air drying allow users to take care of their needs independently. These features don’t just benefit people with disabilities but also elderly guests, pregnant individuals, and those recovering from surgery who may find wiping difficult.
Why Restaurants Should Install Bidets
Restaurants are meant to be welcoming spaces where people gather to enjoy good food and company. However, when restrooms lack essential accessibility features, they unintentionally exclude guests with disabilities. There have been times when I’ve wanted to dine at a restaurant but had to choose not to because I knew their restroom wouldn’t accommodate my needs.
Installing bidet toilets in ADA restrooms allows disabled guests to dine out with peace of mind, knowing they have a fully accessible restroom when needed. For restaurants aiming to be truly inclusive, bidet toilets can make the difference between a customer choosing their establishment over another. Plus, with a growing awareness of accessibility rights and accommodations, restaurants that make these improvements will attract more loyal customers.
The Need for Bidets in Airports
Airports serve travelers from all walks of life, including those with disabilities. Many individuals with mobility impairments already face barriers during security screenings, boarding, and navigating terminals. The restroom should not be another obstacle.
I’ve personally avoided traveling alone because I knew I wouldn’t be able to use the restroom independently at the airport or on the plane. Traveling can be stressful for anyone, but for a person with limited mobility, finding a restroom that accommodates their needs can be a deciding factor in whether or not they take a trip. Many people with disabilities avoid traveling because they worry about whether they’ll have proper bathroom facilities at their destination. Bidet-equipped ADA restrooms in airports can encourage more travelers with disabilities to fly, knowing that their personal hygiene needs will be met.
Why Movie Theaters Need Bidet Toilets
Entertainment should be accessible to all, but for many disabled individuals, attending a movie can come with challenges. Many theaters have made strides in accessibility with wheelchair-accessible seating and closed captioning, but restroom accessibility is often still lacking.
I’ve missed out on movies because I wasn’t sure whether I could use the restroom independently during a two-hour film. Bidet toilets in movie theater restrooms would allow people with mobility impairments to attend movies without having to worry about restroom accommodations. The last thing someone wants is to leave a movie early because they can’t properly use the restroom. By installing bidet toilets, theaters can create a fully inclusive experience for all patrons.
The Role of Bidets in Hotel Accessibility
Hotels are often a temporary home for travelers, and accessibility should be a top priority. While many hotels offer ADA-compliant rooms, one of the biggest challenges for disabled travelers is the lack of accessible restrooms.
I’ve had to skip solo trips simply because I knew the hotel bathroom wouldn’t accommodate my needs. A bidet toilet or bidet seat in hotel bathrooms could be the difference between a person with a disability traveling alone or needing to bring a caregiver.
Many travelers choose to stay in Airbnbs or vacation rentals specifically because they can install their own portable bidet. Hotels can attract more guests with disabilities by offering accessible bidet toilets in ADA rooms. Brands that prioritize accessibility in their accommodations will not only be following best practices but also earning customer loyalty from an often-overlooked demographic.
Recommended Bidet Brands for Businesses
For businesses looking to upgrade their restrooms, several commercial bidet brands offer high-quality solutions:
- TOTO – A leader in bidet technology, TOTO’s Washlet bidet seats and fully integrated bidet toilets provide luxury, comfort, and accessibility.
- Brondell – Brondell’s bidet toilet seats offer an affordable and effective way to retrofit existing toilets with accessible features.
- Bemis – Bemis bidet seats combine easy installation with user-friendly controls, making them a great option for ADA restrooms in public spaces.
The Business Case for Installing Bidet Toilets
Beyond accessibility, installing bidet toilets has financial and environmental benefits:
- Cost Savings – Businesses can reduce their spending on toilet paper by switching to bidets, which use less water and create less waste.
- Customer Satisfaction – Inclusive businesses attract a broader audience and foster loyalty among customers who feel valued.
- Compliance and Reputation – Businesses that go beyond ADA compliance to prioritize accessibility set themselves apart and reduce the risk of legal complaints related to restroom accessibility.
Conclusion
The installation of bidet toilets in ADA restrooms isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for people with disabilities who value their independence. Restaurants, airports, movie theaters, and hotels all have a responsibility to create truly accessible environments. I personally know how much of a difference a bidet toilet would make in these spaces, as there have been times I’ve had to avoid going places simply because I knew I wouldn’t be able to use the restroom alone.
By investing in bidet toilets or bidet toilet seats from brands like TOTO, Brondell, and Bemis, businesses can take a meaningful step toward inclusivity.
If your business is ready to improve accessibility, reach out to Equal Accessibility® today to learn how we can help implement inclusive solutions that benefit everyone.
