Award winning paralympic athlete, Anne Wafula Strike, has recently spoken out about being ‘completely robbed of her dignity’ after travelling on a three hour train journey without access to to an accessible toilet.
Shops that put baskets of things on the floor so you then have to move them to get passed already small aisles drives me mad, I don’t expect too get in some small local shops in my wheelchair but the larger retailers should be made to check that you can push a wheelchair safely down the aisles, it must be just as hard if you are pushing pram.
Agreed, Katy, nice point. I also often see this in my local shops and access is difficult but I find that the supermarkets local to me tend to be fairly more organised and considerate in that sense.
What I would like to see is disabled people making a big fuss if they are badly served.
I would like to see disabled people stop ‘apologising’ for being disabled, stop ‘apologising’ for having special needs, stop taking on the stance of second rate citizens.
I would like to see disabled people become more assertive with, for example, bad employers.
I personally complain like hell when there isn’t a disabled loo that a disabled person in a wheelchair can get into.
If I go somewhere and there’s a disabled/baby changing loo, it really pisses me off that the ‘disabled’ aspect always seems to lose out to the ‘baby changing’ facility. Hence nappy bins that are way too big for the space, baby changing benches that fold down thus meaning that a wheelchair user can’t get into the room, turn around, shut and lock the door and then be able to use the facilities. Or of course, using the space just by the loo as a highchair storage area, meaning the door can only be opened six inches.
And sometimes when there’s a disabled loo that is so overtaken by bins of one kind or another that it makes it impossible to use the loo. Hospitals are often at fault in this way.
Meanwhile, whilst on the subject of disabled loos and their rubbish bins, whoever had the bright idea that a rubbish bin in a disabled loo that can only be operated by a foot was a good idea? Do they not think that if one is a wheelchair user (and let’s face it, the sign they use seems to put the users into that category, whether they are a 'chair user or not), that ones feet may not be available to open the lid of the bin?
Plus of course, the ‘disabled’ loos that have only one fold down bar, meaning that standing up from the loo is impossible. Also, handtowel dispensers that are out of reach, or my particular bugbear, flush handles that are out of reach if you can’t stand up.
Ooh I could go on about disabled loos, but really there’s no point on here. Instead, I tend to bring it to the notice of the management of whichever establishment I am in. The exceptions have been various NHS loos, in which case I have emailed their comments/complaints department.
Some really good points, Sue. Please do go on, it’s the point of the discussion. I completely agree about the rubbish bins which are operated by foot, perplexed when I see them and it is on often occasion may I add!
Also, glad you do inform the management of each establishments of your concerns, otherwise, nothing would get done about it.
Tuning in to the news this morning, I saw that Anne’s experience has been on the BBC News channel. Pleased to see that this injustice is getting the widespread exposure that it deserves and not simply swept under the carpet, so to speak.
Equally, when there’s a great disabled loo - particularly in a place where it’s a bit unexpected - I do tend to express my appreciation. One case in point is the Brighton Pavilion, the great big Indian/Oriental palace built by the Prince Regent in the early 19th century. Absolutely brilliant adapted loo, in an old building, so it can be done. (Even if it is impossible to get to the upper floors of the place, there’s only so much that can be done to listed buildings!)
Discussing this on Jeremy Vine show today. just have to add that I posted about the excellent facilities at DFS just have to mention M&S, which has left and right transfer toilets ,fairly new though.
How many folk here are aware of Changing Places loos?
I learned about these amazing facilities two years ago. They feature a large room, toilets which have room at either side for a carer., plus riser rails at both sides. There is an electric ceiling hoist, a changing table big enough for adults, Plus a lower level or adjustable basin.
These places allow those who need carers to assist them with toiletting, have a more enjoyable trip out, without either needing to be changed on a dirty, small floorspace, or going home with wet clothing.
The numbers of these loos is growing, but we need to keep campaigning for them.
Has anyone used these loos?
I have in Leeds, Blackpool and Halifax. They are nothing short of Godsend to disabled people, carers and families!