Rethinking the bathroom for adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: an exploratory pilot study addressing privacy and independence

Authors

  • Marie-Claire Bernatchez Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec (IRDPQ) 525 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Québec (QC), G1M 2S8, Canada
  • Christèle Poirier Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec (IRDPQ) 525 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Québec (QC), G1M 2S8, Canada
  • Ernesto Morales Assistant professor Université Laval Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 4293 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec G1V 0A6 Phone: 1-418-529-9141 #6030 Fax: 1-418-529-3548
  • Désirée Maltais Université Laval Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 4293 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec G1V 0A6

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v7i2.119

Keywords:

Cerebral palsy, adolescents, design solution, bathroom, independence, privacy

Abstract

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy (CP) at home represents a major challenge and can have a significant impact on the caregiver’s physical and psychological well-being. Caregivers and professionals often feel uncomfortable with adolescents’ emerging behaviours. Adolescents’ need for privacy requires a certain level of independence to be achieved. However, the physical environment may cause problems in achieving the required degree of privacy. The main objective of this study was to explore and identify realistic, evidence-based solutions to promote independence and privacy in the bathroom for teenagers with CP. The authors used a two-stage co-design process: the conception of the design solution, followed by validation. The results of this project demonstrate the need to combine original technical aids and environmental settings to create a safe, hygienic environment for the user. The results can guide therapists in their clinical approach to designing washing facilities that meet the hygiene and psychological needs of other adolescents, adults and seniors with mobility impairments.

Author Biographies

Marie-Claire Bernatchez, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec (IRDPQ) 525 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Québec (QC), G1M 2S8, Canada

Direction des programmes Déficience intellectuelle et trouble du spectre de l’autisme, et Déficience physique

Christèle Poirier, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec (IRDPQ) 525 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Québec (QC), G1M 2S8, Canada

Programme de déficience motrice en milieu scolaire

Ernesto Morales, Assistant professor Université Laval Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 4293 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec G1V 0A6 Phone: 1-418-529-9141 #6030 Fax: 1-418-529-3548

Department of rehabilitation, Faculty of medicine

Désirée Maltais, Université Laval Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 4293 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec G1V 0A6

Department of rehabilitation, Faculty of medicine

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Published

2017-11-30

How to Cite

Bernatchez, M.-C., Poirier, C., Morales, E., & Maltais, D. (2017). Rethinking the bathroom for adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: an exploratory pilot study addressing privacy and independence. Journal of Accessibility and Design for All, 7(2), 218–235. https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v7i2.119

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2017): Journal of Accessibility and Design for All

Section

Health and Medical Care

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