James A. Daughtry

October 7, 2002

The handicapped water closet or commode seat height is not addressed in the regulations. It should be. The water closet or commode seat height needs to be specified as a minimum of 19 inches to 19 and one half in height measured to the top of the toilet seat.

My wife has had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 30 years. She is a very active person. She drives and shops for groceries and runs errands every day. She has had 3 hip joint replacements and a knee replacement. She does not have the strength in her arms to lift herself from low commode seat heights. With the 19 to 19 and one half inches in height for the commode or water closet seat, she is able to properly use the bathroom facilities. With shorter height commode seat, someone has to help lift her from the seat.

Often she will find facilities that "meet the specifications" for a handicapped toilet, but have low commode seat heights. That is missing the mark for providing access to handicapped persons.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

James A. Daughtry
Transportation Planner
Eastern Carolina Council