Family Bathrooms- Not Disney Related

[autumnblue]

I wasn't quite sure where else to turn so I figured I'd try this board since I have recieved so much help in the past.

My DBF and I are driving from Massachusetts to Nebraska and then back again over 10 days in May.

On the way down and back we will be driving several days of about 600 miles.

I'm pretty good at "holding it" but 10+ hours is way too long.

I'm wondering if anyone is aware of a website or something that lists family bathrooms( I'll need my DBF to assist me). I've tried searching but I just don't seem to be getting anywhere.


Thanks in advance,


Autumn

 

[malibuconlee]

http://home.att.net/~liveletdie5/ALS/travel.html


This isn't exactly what you are looking for, but this lady has some good tips on finding rest rooms that will work in a pinch.

Have a great trip!!.

 

[autumnblue]

Thank you-

I'm thinking about looking for IKEA stores (they have great family bathrooms)along the way. I know I'll go by one in CT and one in NY but not sure if there are any on my route after that.




Autumn

 

[Michigan]

Most state rest areas have companion bathrooms.

 

[dj2]

I'm thinking about looking for IKEA stores

great idea about the state rest areas. also, do any restaurant chains have companion restrooms? restaurants will be more likely to be along your highway route. another thought--hotels often have a "public" restroom near their lobbies, which might work for you, as they are sometimes the style that are for a single person at a time.

-dj

 

[Chuck S]

Even if a rest area doesn't have a true companion restroom, isn't an opposite sex companion allowed into the regular ladies room Handicap stalls if assistance is required, by law?

 

[pugdog]

I go into the ladies restrooms all the time to help DW. Yes I do get the looks but who cares she needs my help. One time some lady did stand at the outside door and tried to keep others out because "a man is in there!". But not many listened to her.

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

The United States Department of Justice has issued illustrative examples of what the ADA requires. We find one example particularly relevant: “An individual requires assistance in order to use toilet facilities and his only companion is a person of the opposite sex. Permitting a person of the opposite sex to assist an individual with a disability in a toilet room designated for one sex may be a required reasonable modification of policy.” (Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title III Technical Assistance Manual, § 4.2100, p. 24 (1994 Supp.).)

My Dad has been helping me in the women's bathroom for 8 years. My mom, sister, and I all use electric wheelchairs. Mom can usually manage on her own but Danielle and I need complete assistance. Generally people are very nice. I go in first and Dad follows closely. Sometimes we get a look but it changes to understanding when they see me. I've only had one refusal (after I went) to do it again. I just go to the less busy bathroom in the back, now. I've found that gas stations usually have single person bathrooms that are often fairly large. If it's one person at a time-no big deal at all.

Some people post a sign or make an announcement...I think 'announcing' makes it more uncomfortable. Things can get awkward if you have to wait for the handicap stall...

It's your right and people are usually quite nice about it. Heck, most countries have unisex bathrooms! Go for it and don't let it bother you.

Christamae

 

[malibuconlee]

Thank you-

I'm thinking about looking for IKEA stores (they have great family bathrooms)along the way. I know I'll go by one in CT and one in NY but not sure if there are any on my route after that.




Autumn

Unfortunately you won't find many once you leave the East. I've never even been in one. They built one about the time we left the Chicago burbs, and I think they built one in the Dallas burbs after we moved from there.

I assume you're taking I-80 across? Unfortunately a lot of the rest areas are older and don't have the family restrooms. There is a new one on the west side of Iowa City, so it might have the family restrooms, but I honestly can't remember.

 

[Earstou]

Where in Nebraska are you going? I might be able to check western Nebraska for you in a couple of weeks. Driving to Denver for Neurosurgeon consult and stopping to see in-laws on way back to Kansas.
But I have to say I don't recall seeing any in rest areas in Ks or Ne, but maybe I wasn't paying attention! Life is quiet and slower paced here, but that also means modern things like family bathrooms are slower to appear!!

 

[BethanyF]

if you are taking 90, I know some of the turnpike rest areas in NY and Ohio have family bathrooms. I know for sure the first one you get to in Ohio, just after crossing the PA line, has great facilities and a wide variety of dining options.

 

[staci]

If you are taking 80 across Iowa, there is a mall in Coralville/Iowa City RIGHT on the interstate. www.coralridgemall.com It is a big mall, with a big food court. There is a companion restroom in the restroom area right behind the food court. If you would stop here, know that the food court is near Target, as it is a big mall and you could be wandering awhile if you parked elsewhere!

HTH.

 

[malibuconlee]

Why didn't I think of that? Great idea. Made me think.

I-80 in West Des Moines has a really nice new (couple of years old) shopping center. Jordan Creek Town Center they also have family restrooms.

Let me go look up and see what I can find around Omaha/Council Bluffs.

 

[malibuconlee]

In Omaha off of I-680 is Westroads mall . Says they also have a family restroom.

It's a decent mall and there are PF Chang's and Macaroni Grill restaurants there. YUM. (gosh I miss the burbs sometimes!!)

 

[staci]

Thanks Malibu, I thought of Jordan Creek as I was pretty sure they would have them, but since i hadnt seen them I didnt knwo for sure.

FYI, Jordan Creek is a mile or so south of 80 if I remember correctly (was ther fall of 2004 right after it opened).

Coralridge is right south of the interestate, you can see it from 80.

I think Westroads is not very visible from 680, but not too far off? Just more traffic in Omaha so I am probably always watching cars and not malls!

 

[malibuconlee]

You're right about Jordan Creek, but it's not too far, and it has what they need, so I figured it would be worth the side trip.

It's been ahwile since I've been to Omaha, but I found it off of a map, so, it's not too hard to find. Again, out of the way, but might be worth it.

Maybe someone further East will find this thread to give ideas on places along the way.

Anyone remember what the Oasis areas on the toll road in Illinois have for restrooms? Been too many years since I've been that way to remember.

 

[BethanyF]

Anyone remember what the Oasis areas on the toll road in Illinois have for restrooms? Been too many years since I've been that way to remember.

They are remodeling most of them and some are temporarily closed. The ones that have reopened are nice and they do have family restrooms.

 

[autumnblue]

Thanks for all of your help and suggestions.

On the way out we are going to Kansas City first so we are traveling 80 to 76 to 70. Our ultimate destination is Omaha. On the way home we are traveling 80 to 90 (thought we would mix it up a little).

Thanks again,

Autumn

 

[autumnblue]

Thanks for all of your help and suggestions.

On the way out we are going to Kansas City first so we are traveling 80 to 76 to 70. Our ultimate destination is Omaha to visit a friend. On the way home we are traveling 80 to 90 (thought we would mix it up a little). I've neverr traveled in the this part of the country before so I don't really know what to expect

Thanks again,

Autumn

 

[Earstou]

I think Westroads is not very visible from 680, but not too far off? Just more traffic in Omaha so I am probably always watching cars and not malls!

Westroads is on West Dodge Street, next to 680, in west Omaha. But the way it's situated, with hills and banking for overpasses, it is hard to see from the interstate. The easiest entrance would be from W. Dodge. I worked there as a teenager, long time ago, but it's gone through many changes since then and I haven't been there in years.