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Wheelchair Accessible (ADA) Porta Potty

ada compliant porta potty in a park next to a walk wayA porta pottie is a porta-style toilet with a included wheelchair accessible entrance ramp. This lets users who are mobility-impaired enter the facility without having to get out of their wheelchair. Peep-toilets, also called porta-potties, are very commonly found in campgrounds and RV parks. In addition to the usual bathroom amenities, they also offer the added convenience of a single-stall toilet with a door that locks. Peep-toilets are convenient in that they’re generally much more private than standard port-a-potties. While they’re also less hygienic, as they lack the included plumbing. The accessible entrance ramp is a great way to make a porta pottie accessible for users who may not be able to step up the side of the unit. Here’s how to use a accessible porta potties when you have limited access.

What is a Wheelchair Accessible Porta Potty

A wheelchair accessible porta potty is a porta-style toilet with a included wheelchair accessible entrance ramp. This lets users who are mobility-impaired enter the facility without having to get out of their wheelchair. Peep-toilets, also called porta-potties, are very commonly found in campgrounds and RV parks. In addition to the usual bathroom amenities, they also offer the added convenience of a single-stall toilet with a door that locks.

How to Use a Wheelchair Accessible Porta Potty

To use a accessible porta potty, go to one that appears accessible. This is important because many are not. Look for an entrance ramp or some other indicator of an accessible unit. Next, you’ll need to know how to operate the door lock on the interior of the unit. Most units will have two locking mechanisms: a knob-style lock and a lever-style lock. The lever-style locks are more common and typically easier to operate than the knob-locks. Next, find the handle inside of your wheelchair next to the leg rest and pull it out with your hand. If you have a lever-lock, push it up around 45 degrees so that it makes contact with the frame of your chair and hold there while opening the door with your other hand.

If you have a knob-lock, turn it clockwise until you can slide it back around 90 degrees so that it makes contact with the frame of your chair and hold there while opening the door with your other hand. Next, enter the toilet stall fully into your wheelchair (you may need to scoot forward) and then push down on top of your footrest release button in order to lower your footrest fully. You’ll want this footrest at full extension so no one else can accidentally bump into it when they enter or exit from their own unit next to yours. Finally, unlock and open both doors using either levers or knobs depending on which type of lock was used

Where to Use a Wheelchair Accessible Porta Potty

The best place to use a accessible porta potty is at the entrance of your campsite or RV park. This way, you don’t have to walk around the park to find one. You can also use them in places with high traffic, such as rest stops on the highway and gas stations. This type of porta potty features an easy-to-use door latch that won’t require a lot of force for someone to enter and exit it. If you want to use one in a private setting, like a small campsite, you might be better off using one without an accessible ramp. Just make sure there’s plenty of space between your tent or camper and the toilet to avoid any possible accidents. Finally, if you still can’t find an appropriate place, just be mindful of where you choose to use the wheelchair accessible porta potties.

You can use a Wheelchair Accessible Porta Potty to provide clean and sanitary toilet facilities for yourself and your party when you’re on the road.