For the purpose of this note, junior ambulant toilets are defined as toilets in early childhood centres for children who have a mobility disability but are able to walk with or without a mobility aid.
Whereas ambulant toilets for adults are required by the National Construction Code (NCC), there is no mandatory requirement to provide ambulant toilets in children’s facilities. However, architects should consider planning for future needs at the onset of a project.
In all public buildings, access is required to and within all areas normally used by the occupants. Fit-out criteria for these spaces are not included in the NCC. Uninformed design of fit-out can render a space inaccessible, despite its compliance with the NCC access provisions. Inaccessible buildings and spaces are at risk of complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act.