Accessible Bathrooms

[NMAmy]

It just really urks me that so many people that are more than capable of using a regular stall will go straight to the accessible stall while passing 5 regular stalls that are empty. these are usually the same people that will park in a handicap parking space because it was the "only one available" when they aren't handicap and they don't have a tag stating otherwise.

It's not illegal to use a handicapped stall. And when one has a 3 year old who is potty training and that's the only stall open--you bet I'd use it and I think you might, too.

 

[KariC]

Isn't it funny how we can make assumptions about others?

Recently, while pregnant, I tried to always use the handicapped accessible stall. I needed the handrails to be able to steady myself. Plus, I had a heart condition. Did I look like a normal (relatively ) pregnant woman? Sure....but it wasn't a "normal" pregnancy.

I also used them when my twins were young, and anticpate using them with my new little one. It's not like you can leave a stroller with a baby strapped in out in the restroom!

I agree that knocking on a stall door is rude, when you know it is occupied. While it might be an "emergency" for the person in the wheelchair, the person in there, that has every right to be there, can not anticipate a future emergency need of a stranger. I would suggest that you do the same thing you do with a little child....go before it becomes an emergency....that means reminding them, going when you don't think you have to, etc.

And, as for the OP's work question...that is the facility provided for you (and the other employees). By all means, use it.

 

[inaminute]

Yes, I'd use it. The stall / restroom is handicapped accessible, not handicapped reserved.

...these are usually the same people that will park in a handicap parking space because it was the "only one available" when they aren't handicap and they don't have a tag stating otherwise.

Sorry, not in this case. I will use the handicapped accessible stall. I will not park in a handicapped reserved spot. There is a HUGE difference.

 

[Disney Doll]

I've never took that to mean that only handicapped people can use that stall. I have taken it to mean that "if you are handiccapped, we have a stall in here you will be able to use". Now obviously, if I happen to be in the restroom at the same time as a handicapped person, I always let them use the stall first, but if there are several stalls and a line of women waiting and no handicapped person needs it, the handicapped stall is fair game, IMHO.

 

[yeartolate]

This debate usually desolves into the handicapped or families of handicapped saying that on a regular basis, the stall is in use and someone soils themselves because is as used by a non handicapped person.

A dose of reality . I cannot imagine that if a parent was with a child in a wheelchair that obviously needed the stall that the line of patrons would not respect that --- I can see it happening, cause some folks are just donky butts - but on a regular basis - no.

Second of all the "real" handicapped should probably stop judging the other folks. THe handicapped stall has a raised seat that is needed by some folks who don't "look" handicapped. You are perceiving them as rude or fakers, but they may actually have a need.

I had multiple ankle tendon surgeries and sitting on a low toilet was too much strain. You would have seen me and thought "who does she think she is???"But for about 6 months.....I was all about handicapped stalls.


Lastly, the stalls are accessible and not for handicapped only. But people do need to take care of business and get out.

BTW, did I mention that about half of the handicap stalls I was in had waist high baby changing stations?