Supporting Toileting for Children with Disabilities

Do you find toilet training a child with developmental disabilities hard?

You are not alone! Every child has the potential to succeed with patience, teamwork, and the right supports!

Purpose of Guide:

This guide was created to help any individual supporting children with disabilities as they work towards independent toileting. Toileting is an important activity of daily living (ADL) that directly impacts a child’s confidence, participation, and access to inclusive environments.^1-2 For many children with disabilities, toileting can be challenging. However, every child can have the opportunity to thrive in welcoming and supportive environments.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking for new strategies, this resource is designed to promote independence for children with disabilities through toileting. This resource shares up-to-date, evidence-based strategies to help make the toileting process more successful for everyone involved!

Download the Supporting Toileting for Children with Disabilities PDF

State of Ohio Resource

Guidance on Diapering and Toileting Hygiene in Ohio Schools (from Ohio’s Departments of Children & Youth, Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Education & Workforce) explains that Ohio public schools cannot refuse enrollment or services to a child because they need toileting or diapering support. It outlines guiding principles (privacy, dignity, least restrictive environment, consent/communication, safety safeguards), best-practice procedures for diapering and toileting hygiene (PPE, sanitation, documentation, supplies, handling soiled clothing), and encourages team-based planning with families. It also discusses possible medical/other causes of incontinence and includes a sample “Routine Personal Care Plan” template plus ideas for assistive technology that can increase independence.