Accessible - Commode Seats

Painted wooden chair with ‘potty’ inserted in hole in seat. Potty is removed for emptying.

Metal commode chair with plastic inset toilet pan (bought in local market). Container is placed beneath the seat and emptied into the latrine.

Suitable for: people who cannot reach a latrine; small children.

Construction	Advantages	Disadvantages	Improvements / variations	Cost / labour
Painted wooden chair with ‘potty’ inserted in hole in seat. Potty is removed for emptying.	Can be placed in the most convenient place for the user or caretaker, either inside or outside the house Fabric straps support a user with poor balance	Container must be emptied and cleaned after every use A separate private toilet area might need to be created Wood needs regular painting/varnishing	Padding can be added to back and sides for extra comfort Seat could be used without the potty, placed over the toilet hole A bucket could be used under the seat instead of a potty	Low to medium
Metal commode chair with plastic inset toilet pan (bought in local market). Container is placed beneath the seat and emptied into the latrine.	Painted metal and plastic are strong, durable and easy to clean Can be placed in the most convenient place for the user or carer, either inside or outside the house	Container must be emptied and cleaned after every use A separate private toilet area might need to be created Metal is uncomfortable for some users – a home-made padded ring could be added for comfort Plank and waist belt added to provide extra support	Car tire inner tube could also be used as a cushion	Medium to high

Navigation menu