**Denied use of DISABLED toilet in jobcentre

Indie_Kid

Invasion wrote: »

I too take painkillers that make my eyes glaze over, and I look like I'm on drugs, not helped by the fact I'm 17 either I use a wheelchair when out so don't have problems using disabled toilets, but the looks you get sometimes when chattering away non-stop and with eyes lookin pretty odd!

As someone with a brain/eye condition that makes them come across as drunk, I can sympathise with you unfortunately and I can't walk in a straight line either (except when drunk!) so do come across as drunk when sober.:o Have been questioned many times when out if I'm really that disabled.

Some places here in scotland ive found that the disabled toilet is far cleaner than the normal gents. Im not disabled by the way. Well worth it. I bought one for my grandparents aswell for when they are out in trips in the car.

And this is why things like radar keys shouldn't be sold on ebay. Disabled toilets are there for a reason and not because someone can't be bothered to wait for the toilet. (if they're incontinent that's different) I have a radar key; but only for emergencies - there are people who need to use that toilet more than I do and I am capable of using the ladies' toilet.

My ex council did ask for proof of disability when purchasing a rdar key and I got a key that way. I then lost it (the key that is) and got one off the radar site, who for some reason don't ask for proof.

[Deleted User]

borders_dude wrote: »

You know how some public toilets have radar keys? Well I bought one of ebay ages ago. its really handy! Some places here in scotland ive found that the disabled toilet is far cleaner than the normal gents. Im not disabled by the way. Well worth it. I bought one for my grandparents aswell for when they are out in trips in the car.

Would you want to share our disabilities as well as our toilets?

The general ratio of "able-bodied" toilets to disabled toilets must be at least 5-1 so we have to queue outside because you prefer ours?

Thanks.

ShaShaSha

borders_dude wrote: »

You know how some public toilets have radar keys? Well I bought one of ebay ages ago. its really handy! Some places here in scotland ive found that the disabled toilet is far cleaner than the normal gents. Im not disabled by the way. Well worth it. I bought one for my grandparents aswell for when they are out in trips in the car.

Thats just shocking, 'not disabled in any way'....makes me feel great!! some able bodied selfish ***** is putting another disabled person out and making there life more difficult and are happy to post about it on a public forum?! :mad::mad: I actually give up trying to make people see what its like struggling, sooo many times ive had to wait outside disabled loos for some able-bodied person to finish, because my chair wont fit in normal loos. There is way more able-bodied toilets to disabled toilets - is there any need??

Radar may aswell sell the keys as lazy @rse keys :mad::mad:

crazy_girl

I have a Radar key I got from Radar. I try my best to use the regular ladies but sometimes I can't, either because of my OCD (hygiene related) or becuase I'm having a paranoid day (people stare at me a lot) or becase there is a big queue and my IBS just won't allow me to wait (I have accidents at night and when I can't get to the toilet on time). Sometimes I need my husband with me and he can't obviosuly go into the ladies.

I have been shouted at, kicked, shoved, sworn at, called a liar etc. which just makes things worse coz I end up in tears.

Indie_Kid

crazy_girl wrote: »

there is a big queue and my IBS just won't allow me to wait (I have accidents at night and when I can't get to the toilet on time).

This is the only time I will use the disabled toilets. (if they're closer that is) Due to having mild balance issues, the ladies' toilets are easier to use. (less room to fall over in)

sheeps68

borders_dude wrote: »

You know how some public toilets have radar keys? Well I bought one of ebay ages ago. its really handy! Some places here in scotland ive found that the disabled toilet is far cleaner than the normal gents. Im not disabled by the way. Well worth it. I bought one for my grandparents aswell for when they are out in trips in the car.

Well you could have my key and disability with pleasure! :mad: Cant believe you would have the courage to post that yet alone consider the abuse of a system that is there to assist people who really have needs.

I have a key and disability but rarely use it as my disability too is hidden and its often easier to use a normal loo parking space etcdue to the looks and comments you get.

Unity

crazy_girl wrote: »

I have a Radar key I got from Radar. I try my best to use the regular ladies but sometimes I can't, either because of my OCD (hygiene related) or becuase I'm having a paranoid day (people stare at me a lot) or becase there is a big queue and my IBS just won't allow me to wait (I have accidents at night and when I can't get to the toilet on time). Sometimes I need my husband with me and he can't obviosuly go into the ladies.

I have been shouted at, kicked, shoved, sworn at, called a liar etc. which just makes things worse coz I end up in tears.

That is disgraceful - but all too often happens to those with "invisible" disabilities. My late father had the same thing happen to him - especially with disabled parking, even though he was lucky to be there at all with only 25% of normal heart function! Far too many people assume things, without using the brains they (presumably) were born with :rolleyes:.

I once went to the disabled loo in Gateshead's Metrocentre only to be beaten to the door by two women with four children - two in pushchairs. They saw me coming so walked a bit faster :mad:.

As it happened the loo attendant saw what happened and hung around. When they finally came out, she asked if they were disabled, the answer was "No, but it's difficult to manage with little ones in pushchairs". I told them that the sign on the door was a wheelchair - not a pushchair and the attendant gave them a right telling off - rightly so :T.

Of course the loo itself was in no fit state to use after four toddlers had wee'd all over the place :rolleyes:.

Before my disability I managed a twin buggy and two babies and would never have dreamed of doing this. Maybe it comes down to how we are brought up .

kt33uk

Back to the OP - our local jobcentre was refurbished a few years back and the public toilets were taken away. Before the refurbishment the toilets were locked and you had to ask for a key if you wanted to use it. I do understand why they feel the need to lock toilets, as someone else said it's the minority who have spoiled it for everyone else. Well now there are no public toilets and as some know you can be waiting around for quite a while in the jobcentre. I was disgusted to read the way the OP and her husband were treated.

It's bad enough being a grown adult and having to ask if you can use a toilet without being told no. I have no actual disabilities but about 2 months ago I had quite a bad virus and was actually scared to be too far from a toilet IYKWIM, unfortunately I was due to sign on at this time. Well I made it to the jobcentre but after 10 minutes of waiting, with stomach churning, I knew I needed to go to the loo. I asked the security guard if they had a toilet I could use, he told me I would have to ask the receptionist. I asked her and she said they only had a disabled toilet that I could use if I was disabled. I told her I wasn't but that I really needed to go and if I couldn't use the toilet I would have to leave. She let me use it and fortunately I made it on time. I was very grateful but also very embarrassed at having to ask to use a toilet. I haven't had to ask/beg to use a toilet since I was at school and that was over 20 years ago.

I hope the OP gets somewhere with this. It's shocking that a manager can be so ignorant and be seen to get away with it.

seven-day-weekend

skipsmum wrote: »

Sorry, I have no idea on the law, but DH has a stoma bag and prefers to use the disable loo as its less embarrasing and often cleaner. He has a radar key.
The idea that you have to be in a wheelchair or on crutches to be disabled is so wrong, epilepsy, bowel problems, autism...there are so many hidden disabilities.
OP, I do think you should take this further and make a fuss, the next person in this situation may not be lucky enough to have a relative to help them.

I agree that these are disabilities, but fail to see why someone with these conditions could not use an ordinary toilet.

As to the OP, I think the way your husband has been treated is really bad. I would make a formal complaint about the employee concerned. Maybe a disability group could liaise with the jobcentre so that your husband does have permission to use the disabled loo.

Could your husband have used an ordinary toilet, or were there none?

[Deleted User]

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I agree that these are disabilities, but fail to see why someone with these conditions could not use an ordinary toilet.

As to the OP, I think the way your husband has been treated is really bad. I would make a formal complaint about the employee concerned. Maybe a disability group could liaise with the jobcentre so that your husband does have permission to use the disabled loo.

Could your husband have used an ordinary toilet, or were there none?

The disability is irrelevant the Act does not define which disabilities/conditions are covered by which bits of the Law. If you meet the criteria the law must be applied equally.

BUT how about if I have had a seizure, urinated and/or vomited on myself. Should I go strip in the public loos in full view of everybody else to try and clean myself up?

A person with Autism may well need someone to go in with them even as an adult, they also may act out, difficult for the carer or parent to handle in a packed loo and a tiny cubicle.