What are the rules for using the handicap stall in the women’s bathroom

[Dznypal]

I just got balled out for using the handicap stall.
I am not handicapped it was the next one to open up thete was no one in line that seemed handicapped
When I came out a person in line read me the riot act for using it.
It’s not a parking spot where you could be in a place for quite some time
Your usually only in there for a few minutes
Have any of you had this happen.
Did you defend yourself or just ingornine it

 

[RedHead0186]

My general rule is that if there is a line and the handicap stall is open, I will use it so we can keep the line moving. (However, if I see someone who may need it-like a wheelchair user behind me in line I'll leave it for them or even just waive them to go use it).

If there's not a line, then I won't use it.

I've never been called out for doing that. I always try to be as fast as possible, both to keep the line moving and so that the stall is available if someone does need to use it.

 

[easyas123]

I've never experienced this particular situation, however I always thought it was something of a unspoken rule - if there's no one in line who has need of the handicap stall then it's available for the next person to use.

 

[TAX GUY]

Its a handicap ACCESSIBLE stall, not handicap EXCLUSIVE stall. If there's a line, and its the next available, use it.

 

[Mle8308]

Its a handicap ACCESSIBLE stall, not handicap EXCLUSIVE stall. If there's a line, and its the next available, use it.

Its a handicap ACCESSIBLE stall, not handicap EXCLUSIVE stall. If there's a line, and its the next available, use it

Well said! I agree 100%.

 

[sarahann77]

to me it's something to ignore. Who's them to say you didn't need the handicap stall. there can still be needs of the stall that may not be seen. The rule for myself, I don't use it unless there's a line to keep moving. If I can visually see someone that might need the stall I'll ask if they'd take it if I can wait for the next one.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

There is no rule.

Anyone can use the stall.
Different people have different reasons for using it.

General kindness would be if there is someone that looks like they need it or speaks up that they could really use it then sure let them.
But especially if its busy and its the next toilet to open the next person uses it.

 

[NotUrsula]

You just encountered an idiot busybody. If there is a "rule", it is that you should should take care not linger past when you really need to be in there, nor use it as a dressing room for convenience. However, if you are quickly in and out the same way as you would be in any other stall, it makes sense to use whatever toilet is available and keep the line moving AQAP as long as there is no disabled person also in line. (They should get first dibs if it is empty, I think.)

I don't necessarily say this about private companion-access bathrooms in public places, unless you are in dire need and have no immediate alternative. Lines don't normally build up for those, and it's kinder to keep them free if you can, because you cannot easily tell from the inside if there is someone waiting outside who cannot use a regular multi-stall facility. (I really think it would be good if those routinely had doorbells and occupancy lights.)

Regardless, chewing out a stranger in a public restroom over their use of a given toilet is crossing a bright red line. If you (rhetorical you) really feel that people need to be educated, ask the venue to post a sign, but beyond that stay out of it, because you never know what hidden disability someone may have. (And there are LOTS of otherwise able-bodied people who have bladder or colon problems that make bathroom visits a more urgent business than it is for most people. They don't need a special toilet stall, they just need a toilet--quickly.)

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I think it only makes sense for the next person in line to use the stall, but wanted to comment on the posts mentioning saving it for someone who looks handicapped. On a good day, most people would say I don't look handicapped. That doesn't mean I'm not. I need the handicapped stall, because I have bad knees & a bad back. Most days, I need the bars to pull myself up. My legs aren't always strong enough.

You can't always tell by looking at someone whether or not they'll need a handicap stall. The person who yelled at the OP needs to learn that lesson.


Edited to correct errors.

 

[gottalovepluto]

OP, that person is just a jerk. Who is probably going to get a lesson in manners sooner rather than later if they keep up that behavior- however, always best to ignore jerks and leave the lessons to others.

ETA- missed "that person" LOL. Sorry OP

 

[barkley]

because you never know what hidden disability someone may have

this.

never called out on using the designated stall but i'll never forget the two loud, rude idiots I encountered as exiting my car in a designated handicapped parking space-

them-'hey you, you know that's a handicapped spot don't you?'
me-'yes, i'm aware'.
them-'you don't have a handicapped placard hanging on your mirror'.
me-'you're right I don't-i have permanant plates' (gesturing to my license plate)
them 'you don't LOOK handicapped'.
me-'THANK YOU SO MUCH-i'll be sure to share that with my rehab team'.
them-(dead silence), surrounding shoppers entering store 'YEAH, YOU GO, TELL THEM....lay off the lady, mind your own buisness'.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I think it only makes sense for the next person in line to use the stall, but wanted to comment on the posts mentioning saving it for someone who looks handicap. On a good day, most people would say I don't look handicap. That doesn't mean I'm not. I need the handicap stall, because I have bad knees & a bad back. Most days, I need the bars to pull myself up. My legs aren't always strong enough. You can't always tell by looking at someone whether or not they'll need a handicap stall. The person who yelled at the OP needs to learn that lesson.

Yeah that's one of the reasons if I'm next I'll turn around to the line point at the handicap and say "anyone want the handicap one?" or something like that. Whether it's an invisible disability or a mom with multiple little kids, you just don't know.

 

[AdamsMum]

I just got balled out for using the handicap stall.
I am not handicapped it was the next one to open up thete was no one in line that seemed handicapped
When I came out a person in line read me the riot act for using it.
It’s not a parking spot where you could be in a place for quite some time
Your usually only in there for a few minutes
Have any of you had this happen.
Did you defend yourself or just ingornine it

Sorry you were put on the spot. I've also used it when there isn't anyone who looks like they need it behind me. I have a bad hip, but I don't use any assistive device so I have been told off for using that stall too. I like the handicapped stall for the usually higher toilet. The point is, not every disability is visible. I think it's presumptious to tell someone off when you don't know them. In addition, given the long lines in women's restrooms, why would you need to leave a stall unused, just in case? Sometimes I think people need to be reminded to be kind.

 

[RedHead0186]

I think it only makes sense for the next person in line to use the stall, but wanted to comment on the posts mentioning saving it for someone who looks handicap. On a good day, most people would say I don't look handicap. That doesn't mean I'm not. I need the handicap stall, because I have bad knees & a bad back. Most days, I need the bars to pull myself up. My legs aren't always strong enough. You can't always tell by looking at someone whether or not they'll need a handicap stall. The person who yelled at the OP needs to learn that lesson.

Thank you for the reminder. I chose my language specifically to say someone in a wheelchair because I recognize there are lots of other disabilities that are not obvious.

I like @gottalovepluto 's suggestion of just asking if anyone needs it. I'm going to start using that to be even more inclusive.

 

[disneychrista]

In some places near me this stall also has the baby changing table. So from this I would say it is not just for those who have a physical need.

this.

never called out on using the designated stall but i'll never forget the two loud, rude idiots I encountered as exiting my car in a designated handicapped parking space-

them-'hey you, you know that's a handicapped spot don't you?'
me-'yes, i'm aware'.
them-'you don't have a handicapped placard hanging on your mirror'.
me-'you're right I don't-i have permanant plates' (gesturing to my license plate)
them 'you don't LOOK handicapped'.
me-'THANK YOU SO MUCH-i'll be sure to share that with my rehab team'.
them-(dead silence), surrounding shoppers entering store 'YEAH, YOU GO, TELL THEM....lay off the lady, mind your own buisness'.

My mom had multiple interactions with a man very similar to this. They apparently shopped on the same day & time. Mom started shopping at a different time to avoid this man. She too has plates not a placard. She very visibly needed the spot but apparently, to this man, since she wasn't in a wheelchair she shouldn't use the handicap parking.

 

[Mommb]

I think it also makes a difference whether the restroom has just 2 or 3 stalls or a long row.

If there are just a few stalls, I will usually use the handicapped-accessible stall if it's the next one available. If there were people behind me, I might ask if anyone needed that stall, but in this situation there usually aren't a lot of people behind me. I figure that leaving the stall open will delay the line if there is one, since in a small restroom the people who need it won't be able to see that it's available until they reach the front of the line.

If there are, say, 10 stalls, I'll usually wait for another stall to open. In this case, I know my wait won't be long and that someone who needs the accessible stall will have a much longer wait if it's occupied since they can't use the other stalls as they become available.

 

[wifey]

I just got balled out for using the handicap stall.
I am not handicapped it was the next one to open up thete was no one in line that seemed handicapped
When I came out a person in line read me the riot act for using it.
It’s not a parking spot where you could be in a place for quite some time
Your usually only in there for a few minutes
Have any of you had this happen.
Did you defend yourself or just ingornine it

My answer would be not all disabilities are obvious some are hidden and it’s none of her gosh darned business.. everyone needs to use the restrooms we are not animals.

 

[QueenIsabella]

this.

never called out on using the designated stall but i'll never forget the two loud, rude idiots I encountered as exiting my car in a designated handicapped parking space-

them-'hey you, you know that's a handicapped spot don't you?'
me-'yes, i'm aware'.
them-'you don't have a handicapped placard hanging on your mirror'.
me-'you're right I don't-i have permanant plates' (gesturing to my license plate)
them 'you don't LOOK handicapped'.
me-'THANK YOU SO MUCH-i'll be sure to share that with my rehab team'.
them-(dead silence), surrounding shoppers entering store 'YEAH, YOU GO, TELL THEM....lay off the lady, mind your own buisness'.

As of yesterday, I'm out of my off-loading shoe, ending a 7-month odyssey of foot surgeries and other foot issues. And my handicapped placard expired! I'm so thrilled! I don't need to (or get to) use handicapped parking! Well, until the fall, when I'm getting more foot surgery with a 3-month recovery time--no driving, and I'll need a knee scooter. But in the mean time, I'll enjoy parking and walking like a (slow) regular person!

To the OP's point--the other person was rude. She had no idea if you needed the stall or not, and regardless, leaving a stall unused seems pretty silly if there's a line (and nobody's asking to use it).

 

[mylilnikita]

They are NOT reserved for only handicapped .End of discussion.

 

[dizneegirl]

Its a handicap ACCESSIBLE stall, not handicap EXCLUSIVE stall.

That's the correct answer.