Thinking about getting a radar key

[Woodlandtree]

DD(19) has had a difficult few weeks. When opening her bowels she passes blood, has diarrhoea and often has a great urgency to go. DD is waiting to see a specialist and until then isn’t receiving any treatment.

Would I be unreasonable to get DD a radar key in case there are queues to the toilet when we are out (she rarely goes out as she’s worried she will need the toilet)? Or are the disabled toilets not for those with conditions like DD? DD would be mortified if challenged so I want to see what the general opinion is.

[Woodlandtree]

I’m wondering why someone voted IABU. Is that because disableD toilets are for physically disabled people that need the extra space/equipment and not those with medical conditions that suffer from urgency?

[slipperywhensparticus]

Get one it's for hidden disabilities too

[LIZS]

I would not see an issue with it.

[Nacreous]

Very sensible plan. I have terrible IBS and keep one in case of emergencies. If I can get away with a normal loo I do, but sometimes they lock the ladies but you can still get into a disabled one if you have a radar key.

[Wynston]

Very sensible idea.

[1Morewineplease]

Disabled toilets aren’t just for physically disabled people.
I have IBS and sometimes my condition becomes chronic . When I need to go , I need to go very quickly. In that case, I will always use a disabled toilet if there’s a queue or , embarrassing to say, if I feel that I can’t cope with others hearing and/or smelling my plight. ( sorry if this offends anyone)
I’m considering using a radar key myself but have coped ( mostly!) so far as I generally plan my journeys or just don’t go out.
Get one. Think I’ll do too, now.

[TheNighthawk]

You have to be registered disabled to get one. They are not for temporary disabilities.

[june2007]

I don,t think you can just "getone" don,t you have to apply,? By all means for now use a disabled loo where you can.

[Ermmmmname]

Chronic bowel and bladder issues definitely qualify for disabled toilet use for emergencies.
People may give you looks but ignore them. I’ve used a walking frame whilst going into them and still got dirty looks, some people just like to judge.

[EggysMom]

You have to be registered disabled to get one. They are not for temporary disabilities.

There is no central register for people who are disabled.

I'd be happy with the OP getting a radar key for her DD, it's a hidden disability like Crohn's.

[TheNighthawk]

Sorry, not sure that is true

[TinnedPearsForPudding]

I got one when my son was still in nappies (baby) just because the baby change facilities are often in the disabled toilets. I just bought one on amazon

[Mnhealth202020]

@Woodlandtree

I’m wondering why someone voted IABU. Is that because disableD toilets are for physically disabled people that need the extra space/equipment and not those with medical conditions that suffer from urgency?

Perhaps it’s because they can’t see the point of this thread? No one with common sense would begrudge someone whom literally shits blood access to a disabled toilet, I would have thought this is exactly what they should be used for.

[EggysMom]

Keys can be purchased online, as well as from your local Council (but they would probably prefer you not to turn up in person just now!)

I'd also recommend getting a Just Can't Wait card:
www.bladderandbowel.org/help-information/just-cant-wait-card/

[steamboatwilly123]

You don't need to register at all. I got mine from the IBS network and it came with a pack of "cant wait" cards you can give to shopkeepers or even people in a queue to help explain why you need to go urgently.

[Cheesewiz]

You don't have to be registered disabled to get one, you can buy them on amazon.

[modgepodge]

I thought you could just buy them? There was a whole thread on here a year or so ago where someone was considering buying one because she had children or didn’t want to queue or something and it didn’t go well. OP id say your daughter is ‘entitled’ to get one, whatever that means.

[thedaytodayyesterday]

You don't have to be registered disabled to get one you can just buy one off amazon or wherever you can. You would be absolutely sensible to get one in these circumstances. They also sell them at any shopmobility centre

[Sirzy]

@TheNighthawk

You have to be registered disabled to get one. They are not for temporary disabilities.

Wrong. You can even buy them online.

Many people who are “registered disabled” (assuming you mean get disability benefits as their isn’t actually some sort of register of disabled people) won’t need to use a disabled toilet. Many people who aren’t “registered disabled” like the young lady in question here very much do.

[katmarie]

You can buy them on amazon, I have one for the same reason as a pp, access to baby changes. I think you would be entirely reasonable to get one.

[EggysMom]

"Is there a national register of disabled people?"

​"No, there is currently no national register of people with disabilities. Some local authorities may operate voluntary registers in their areas. These voluntary registers are used by local authorities to ​plan future services. Registration does not automatically give entitlement to benefits."

From: commonslibrary.parliament.uk/constituency-casework/registering-as-disabled/

[TheLoveOfMoney]

We have one for my disabled son, to look at him you would see a healthy boy but he has 2 hidden disabilities. I would get one if I were you, you have a genuine reason, and if you are challenged do what I do, give them a glare with a stern 'not all disabilities are visable" quip. People shouldn't be scared to leave the house if its something that can be helped. Rightly or wrongly you can buy them on Amazon or Ebay. If you were using them for no other reason than you couldn't be arsed to queue, then I'd have an issue.

[EggysMom]

Those who buy them to access nappy change facilities, please can you make sure that you stop using them once your child is toilet trained? I'm sure you all do, I just wanted to issue a reminder

[ThatDamnScientist]

They are for disabilities and health conditions which I would say your dd falls into.

They are available from here www.disabilityrightsuk.org/shop/official-and-only-genuine-radar-key

[TheLightSideOfTheMoon]

I bought one online. Only a few ££.

It's what they're for.