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Accessible Restroom Stalls

9/20/2013

2 Comments

 
Accessible Stall Camper
        I have discovered over the years that no matter what restroom I use, the accessible stall is always the most popular. 
        My first experience with this was attending a conference in Harrisburg. I was representing my employer in a vendor's booth. I waited for all the participants to go back to the conference before using the restroom. I was able to push the door open easily [ a surprise because they usually have 1,000 pounds of pressure keeping it closed]. There must have been 12 'regular' stalls and 2 accessible ones at each end. All the stalls were vacant except the accessible stalls. As I tried to wait patiently and the time passed, finally, the gentlemen both finished at about the same time. Neither had a mobility impairment and I wondered why they couldn't have used one of the other stalls. I held back my accusatory look and rolled in.
        The previous user had set up camp in there! Newspapers were folded over the grab bars, coffee cup was on the paper dispenser and tell tale ashes on the floor from a smoke. Over the years, I have discovered that this was the attraction to the accessible stall. You could comfortably camp in there and casually take care of your personal business. It's like having your own office, too. Make calls, email, text, etc.
        I guess these campers have never experienced having an urgent moment. Difficult not to wish that moment on them...

2 Comments
Linda Baver
9/20/2013 04:18:01 am

I noticed that in some establishments you have to pull the door open. That makes the entire restroom less accessible. Why can't the doors be designed so that you need only to push to get in and push to get out? And why can't they be designed to be lighter? I remember trying to negotiate the restrooms with a stroller. Not always easy. With a wheelchair it has to be extremely difficult. And, yes, if you don't need the extra space to handle a wheelchair or to take care of your child, use the other stalls.

I notice that at the rest stops on the turnpike they have no restroom doors. Of course, they haven't figured out a way to keep the campers out of the accessible stalls. . .

Reply
Steven
9/21/2013 02:40:50 am

I'm glad you pointed out that accessibility helps everyone, mom's with strollers, delivery people with a dolly, person with an armful of whatever. I always hope that just because the handicapped space or stall is not in use doesn't mean it's available to everyone!!
Thanks, Linda

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