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

[CynBeth]

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.

I also always ask if anyone in line needs to use it when I am next and it opens up and if not I go in.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I haven't read the responses yet but it's so bizarre for people to police the restroom for any reason. For one thing, disabilities aren't always visible so how is it her business to call people out for using the accessible stall? Also, parents often need the bigger stall with their kids. There are many reasons to use it and it's not some randos business to call people out.

As for using the accessible stall, I will use it if it's the only one available. But I typically turn to the line behind me (if there is one) and ask if anyone wants to use the larger stall. So far, only once has someone taken me up on the offer and it was a lady with a small child. Two seconds later, another stall opened up for me.

 

[TCRAIG]

As someone who is disabled - I appreciate it when the handicap stall is open in the bathroom - but I don’t feel like it’s exclusively for disabled use.

 

[barkley]

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!

I would prefer NOT to use the plate/parking space but then if we are somewhere with a wealth of available handicapped parking spots I feel worse if I take one of the (most of the time) very few available close to the store traditional parking spaces b/c I want to leave those available to everyone else (and I remember back as a mom w/ a couple of little ones and baby carriers feeling like I hit the lottery If I got a close spot when I grocery shopped).

 

[anniemae]

Anyone can use them, you don't need a special card or dr. note to use it. It's just common courtesy to leave it open if you don't need it, or to let a visibly handicapped person go ahead in line since they can only use that one stall.

I feel like those stalls are for anyone with a need for more space, whether it is a handicapped person, an overweight person, a mom with small kids, or someone who needs the bar stand up/sit down.

 

[sam_gordon]

OP 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.

Is this a typo? Do you really think the OP is a jerk for using the HC stall?

IMO, using makes the line go quicker. Unless I happened to have noticed someone within two - three people behind me (and that's doubtful because I rarely look behind me while in the bathroom line) with an obvious need, I'd use it.

 

[tvguy]

I think I would have just answered "I am entitled to use this stall" and point out it is against the law to ask what the nature of your disability is.

 

[brockash]

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

We absolutely use it if it's the only one open. That's so bizarre.

 

[RedHead0186]

I think I would have just answered "I am entitled to use this stall" and point out it is against the law to ask what the nature of your disability is.

It's not against the law to ask someone what their disability is. I wouldn't advise doing it, but I don't believe it's illegal.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I always use the accessible stall, not only because of my physical issues but because oftentimes the other stalls are so small I can barely turn around in them.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Is this a typo? Do you really think the OP is a jerk for using the HC stall?

IMO, using makes the line go quicker. Unless I happened to have noticed someone within two - three people behind me (and that's doubtful because I rarely look behind me while in the bathroom line) with an obvious need, I'd use it.

Oh wow, worst type ever I missed ", that person" grammar and using all your words- VERY IMPORTANT! Thanks @sam_gordon for making sure I don't get DISbanned!

 

[MamaMermaid]

Accessible, not exclusive. I'd also happily retort that not all all disabilities are visible.

 

[anniemae]

Is this a typo? Do you really think the OP is a jerk for using the HC stall?

IMO, using makes the line go quicker. Unless I happened to have noticed someone within two - three people behind me (and that's doubtful because I rarely look behind me while in the bathroom line) with an obvious need, I'd use it.

I chuckled at this when I read gottalovepluto's post. I felt strongly she meant to say, "OP, that person was a jerk." . But I still giggled at the typo.

 

[sam_gordon]

I chuckled at this when I read gottalovepluto's post. I felt strongly she meant to say, "OP, that person was a jerk." . But I still giggled at the typo.

I thought so too, but shouldn't assume.

 

[slo]

Honestly.....if I'm in line to use the bathroom and that handicap bathroom opens up, I'm using it unless.....
I see someone that obviously needs it
or
I see a mom with kids (I remember well how it is when you have kids that need to use the bathroom right at that moment)

People need to stay in their lane and not feel the need to police people every where they go. If I used a handicap stall, and someone scolded me like I was a child, I would just shake my head, wash my hands and leave. There's no way I'm giving them a response.

 

[tvguy]

It's not against the law to ask someone what their disability is. I wouldn't advise doing it, but I don't believe it's illegal.

I believe ADA act prohibits asking.

 

[Pooh2]

The changing tables are often installed in the H stall so young moms are likely to need the stall as much as those with special physical needs.

I cannot imagine having the time or energy to lecture a complete stranger on which stall she chooses to tinkle in!
If there is an open seat and you are next in line, go for it!

 

[tvguy]

The current kerfuffle in California is a law that allows handicapped parking spots to be converted to joint handicapped/electric vehicle charging station parking spots. If there is a conflict, the priority goes to the person needing to charge an electric car. However, if someone with disabled plates or placards in an electric car needs a spot, they have priority.
The thinking is, this insures that those with disabilities with electric cars will have access to charging stations.

 

[Moliphino]

I believe ADA act prohibits asking.

That doesn't apply to individual people, though. A business can't ask. The person is also not required to respond.

 

[Simba's Mom]

As someone who's spent more than a day in a wheelchair, the Handicapped stall is usually the only one that is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Although I recognize that all handicaps are not visible, a person in a wheelchair is. So I do get upset when I wait for the only stall I can use, while other stalls remain empty, but I don't say anything. When there's a line, and every stall is being used, that's a different story. That said, last time I was at WDW, I was very pleasantly surprised when I entered a full restroom, got in line, and many people in line stepped aside, called me forward, and let me go next to the Handicapped stall. However, I had no problem that the person who came out appeared able-bodied.