Designing for accessibility: why inclusive showers matter

Suzannah Adey, Product Marketing Manager at Mira Showers, highlights the role that showers play in accessible living. 

When housing fails to meet accessibility needs it has significant societal and economic impacts. The Greater London Authority’s November 2023 Housing Research found that poor housing conditions in London alone cost the NHS around £100 million annually. With more than 20% of the UK population living with a disability and nearly half of those struggling to access their own living spaces, the need for truly accessible housing has never been more apparent. 

With an ageing population, the urgency to future-proof homes is only growing. The ‘Future of an Ageing Population’ report predicts that by 2040, nearly one in seven people in the UK will be over 75 years old. Additionally, figures from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) estimate a 27% rise in the number of people living with sight loss by 2035, reaching 2.8 million individuals. With these figures in mind, it’s clear that landlords, housing providers, specifiers and manufacturers should collaborate to create products that meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities. 

More than just a shower 

For many a shower is a daily ritual – a moment of relaxation, a fresh start in the morning, or a way to unwind at the end of a long day. However, it can be a daunting challenge for those with disabilities. But inclusive design can make all the difference and accessible showers must cater to a range of user needs, including those with limited mobility, dexterity, or visual impairments. With the right shower, this difficult task can be transformed into an independent, safe, and enjoyable experience.  

Maintaining independence is essential for wellbeing and dignity, particularly for older individuals and those with mobility challenges. Accessible showers can help users manage their daily routine independently by incorporating visual and aural cues. By enabling people to shower without assistance, inclusively showers promote independence and dignity.  

Prioritising safety 

Accessible design isn’t just linked to providing individuals with easier access to the shower. It’s also important to specify a shower system that provides a consistent and safe water temperature and flow at all times – reducing the chance of sudden cold or hot blasts and the associated risk of scalding. 

Showers with TMV3 approval provide enhanced thermal control, reducing the likelihood of scalding and making them ideal for accessible housing and social housing projects. Additionally, adjustable water flow and temperature controls allow users to tailor their experience to their own needs. 

A shower designed for everyone 

Developed in collaboration with the RNIB, the Mira Select Flex is purpose-built to support users with limited dexterity, mobility, and visual acuity. It offers key accessibility features such as high-contrast colours and raised icons for improved visibility, tactile graphics and an anti-reflective surface to reduce glare and enhance usability. There is also push-button activation to eliminate the need for complex adjustments, with ergonomic controls and audible feedback to ensure ease of use. As the only RNIB ‘Tried and Tested’ accredited mixer shower, the Select Flex represents pioneering inclusive design. Whether users are standing, seated, or assisted by a carer, the Mira Select Flex is designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and enhanced showering experience for all. 

Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at RNIB, says: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Mira on this project. Mira is willing to ask questions, listen to users, consult with expert organisations, and integrate those findings into the design process. The result? A thoughtfully designed, inclusive, and enjoyable-to-use product.” 

Mira Showers believes nobody should be excluded from the enjoyment of a good shower. By designing with accessibility in mind, the company ensures that everyone – regardless of age or ability – can enjoy a comfortable, safe, and independent showering experience. The future of housing should be accessible, adaptable, and designed for all. 

www.mirashowers.co.uk