Designing accessible household toilets for persons with disabilities in rural India

This resource offers practical guidance on designing accessible household toilets in rural India for persons with disabilities, aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It outlines disability-specific needs, inclusive design principles, modular toilet options, retrofitting guidance and operational considerations to ensure safe, functional and accessible sanitation facilities.

What you will find in this resource

  • Definitions of disability categories under the RPwD Act, 2016, and the shift to the social model of disability

  • Key WASH barriers faced by persons with disabilities and core principles for inclusive toilet design

  • Four design modules tailored to mobility, visual, intellectual and sensory impairments

  • Standards for pathways, ramps, doors, WC placement, grab bars, lighting and menstrual hygiene facilities

  • Cost estimates for each module and clear retrofitting guidance

  • Behaviour change approaches, emergency preparedness, disaster resilience and O&M practices for long-term usability

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