THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 54 | SEPTEMBER 2025 Single-User Restroom Requirements Many law firms provide single- user restrooms. As discussed earlier, entrance doors must provide at least 32 inches of clear width and must be operable with hardware that does not require tight grasping or twisting. Door swing space should not overlap with the clearance required for any fixture (sink, urinal, etc.), but doors are allowed to swing into the required turning space.34 Clear floor space within the restroom must be at least 30 inches by 48 inches to accommodate wheelchair maneuvering.35 Multi-User Restroom Considerations If your firm offers multi-user restroom facilities, ensure that at least one toilet stall in each restroom is accessible and follows all guidelines for door width, door swing, maneuvering space, clear floor space and toe clearance. These detailed specifications can be found in Chapter 6 of the 2010 standards.36 Toilet and Grab Bar Technical Specifications Toilets must be positioned with the centerline between 16 and 18 inches from the side wall.37 The height of the toilet seat must be between 17 and 19 inches above the finished floor.38 These specifications ensure that individuals can transfer from wheelchairs to the toilet with appropriate positioning and leverage. Grab bars are mandatory and must meet specific installation requirements for circumference, shape, location and distance. These specifications can also be found in Chapter 6 of the 2010 standards.39 Grab bars must be capable of supporting 250 pounds of force.40 This specification often requires that blocking be installed behind the wall surface to ensure proper mounting is achieved. Sink and Mirror Technical Specifications Accessible sinks must have a rim no higher than 34 inches above the finished floor.41 Knee clearance must be provided underneath the sink, and hot water pipes and drainpipes must be insulated or configured to protect against contact injuries and scalding.42 Mirrors located above sink and faucet areas must be mounted with the bottom edge of the reflective surface no higher than 40 inches above the finished floor.43 This allows individuals seated in wheelchairs to use the lavatory mirror effectively. Dispensers (soap, paper towels, etc.) and other accessories must be located within accessible reach ranges (48 and 54 inches, depending on approach) and must be operable with one hand without tight grasping or twisting.44 CONFERENCE ROOMS: ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS Conference rooms present unique accessibility challenges for law firms, as these spaces must accommodate not only employees and clients with mobility impairments but must also ensure effective and confidential communication during client meetings. The conference room should be located along an accessible route. Table and Seating Accessibility Conference room tables must provide accessible seating positions that have adequate knee clearance, and the table height should be between 28 and 34 inches above the finished floor.45 Conference rooms must also provide adequate maneuvering space to comply with seating. Audiovisual and Communication Equipment Considerations Many law firms use audiovisual equipment in conference rooms for presentations, video depositions and remote consultations. This equipment must be accessible to employees and clients with disabilities. Often, it is as simple as using closed captioning or large print documentation in a sans serif font. COMPLIANCE: STRATEGIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT Effective Title III compliance requires a proactive approach that integrates accessibility considerations into all aspects of law firm operations. Compliance should not be viewed as a one-time project but as an ongoing commitment that evolves with changes in technology, regulations and the firm’s physical space. Conducting Accessibility Audits Regular accessibility audits provide the foundation for effective compliance. These audits should be conducted by qualified professionals who understand the technical requirements of the ADA standards, the practical needs of individuals with disabilities and the operational needs of law firms. Audits should address not only architectural barriers but also policies, procedures, communication and digital presence. The auditor should include a consultation with individuals with disabilities who can provide practical insights into the usability of the firm’s facilities and services. This consultation can reveal barriers that might not be apparent from a purely technical review of the 2010 standards. Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.
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