Glossary

Restroom terms, defined with sources.

Plain-English definitions of terms that matter when you’re planning a trip, advocating for a facility change, or just trying to figure out what a sign actually means. Each entry cites primary sources — ADA.gov, UOAA, Colostomy UK, IFFGD, Monash FODMAP, Refuge Restrooms — so you can verify everything yourself.

Why this exists. The restroom-access conversation is surprisingly full of myths, outdated statutes, and well-meaning advice that isn’t backed by anything. We wrote these pages to be the reference we wished existed when we were building RestMap.
Inclusive restrooms

What is a gender-neutral restroom?

Distinctions between single-occupancy, all-gender, gender-neutral, and unisex. US legal context from DC (2006) through California (2017) to Illinois (2023). 2021 IPC design standards. Peer-reviewed evidence on safety outcomes.

Sources: 2010 ADA Standards, 2021 IPC, Williams Institute, Stalled!, Refuge Restrooms, Hasenbush et al. (2018).
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 Accessibility

What is an ADA-compliant restroom?

Exact measurements from the 2010 ADA Standards — grab bars, turning radius, door width, signage. The ADA vs ICC A117.1 difference. Common non-compliance patterns. What “compliant” does and doesn’t guarantee.

Sources: 2010 ADA Standards, US Access Board Chapter 6, 28 CFR §36.304, DOJ settlements.
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 Ostomy care

What is a stoma-friendly restroom?

The UOAA 4-item standard (shelf, hook, sink, paper towels) and the Colostomy UK dimensional guidance. Why it’s distinct from ADA or single-occupancy. Ally’s Law coverage across 22 states. Retailers that have publicly committed.

Sources: UOAA, Colostomy UK (BS 8300), Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland, AccessAble.
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 Travel planning

What is IBS-friendly travel?

A distinct travel-planning discipline, not “disabled travel” or “medical travel.” The three pillars per IFFGD. Low-FODMAP strategy. Medication and TSA guidance. What specifically makes a restroom stop IBS-friendly.

Sources: IFFGD Publication #188, Rome Foundation, Monash FODMAP, ACG Clinical Guideline 2021, Almario et al. 2023.
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Companion pages

Transparency

Where our data comes from

Every RestMap data source named with contribution and license.

 Methodology

How the IQ Platform works

Plain-English explainer of RestRoom IQ, Journey IQ, Scout IQ.

 Comparison

RestMap vs other finders

Honest side-by-side with Flush, SitOrSquat, Refuge, Bathroom Scout.

 Stories

The RestMap Blog

Road trip advice and longer-form travel guides.

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