One of those damned disabled toilet threads.

[ReindeerBollocks]

DS and I used a diabled toilet (well, I didn't but DS did).

DS has CF and although is affected by chest issues also has some considerable difficulties with his dietary and toilet needs. I.e. when he is suffering with a sore tummy and needs the toilet - he needs to go immediately or suffer an accident.

We were out today and despite keeping on top of all current meds and peg feeds, he had another episode. But there was a queue in the femal toilets (DS is 7 and while he normally uses the men's he wanted to use the womens with me as he was in considerable pain). I took him in the disabled toilet instead, thinking that he has a medical need and therefore entitled to us it. Except there was a man waiting with a disabled lady insisting we not use this toilet and wanting management involvement. I explained about DS's condition and that he needed to go but this gentleman was not convinced and thought that as the toilet was designed with wheelchairs in mind, that we should not have used the toilet.

So who was right? I didn't think I was being unreasonable, DS has had accidents before due to his condition, and whilst it's not technically a disability I feel his need does outweigh those of ordinary use and therefore entitled to use the toilet. This isn't my first AIBU thread about toilet use, for that I apologise profusely.

Serenity, I kind of think that this was this gentlemans point. The disabled loo was designed for those in a wheelchair. However, the sign said disabled toilet - for which DS could be entitled.

For information purposes we were in a very busy Morrisons where there was a queue for the ladies, we didn't check the mens as DS didn't have time and would have soiled himself due to his medical condition, not because he is lazy, nor because of a temporary condition. If when his condition deteriorates he will need a wheelchair - despite it being the same condition - which is why I am confused and asking where the distinction lies?

I have three sn kids, one of whom is a wheelchair user. One can use a standard loo.
And as I said, it was originally the Chronically sick and Disabled persons act.

YANBU, the disabled toilets are there for all disabled people who need them not just wheelchair users, and I write as the mother of a wheelchair bound DS. Unfortunately though a lot of people use the disabled loos because they can't be bothered to wait for the regular ones....the gentleman may have assumed that this was what was happening. But he should have backed off once you explained the situation.

I certainly don't need to educate myself about the range of disbilities which one could possibly have (noone knows that??) sadly, I do know about disabled loos. MN'ers may be shouty but they are also misinformed. And somewhat obsessed with toilets, it would seem.

serinity well i dont use a wheelchair but i have a need for a disabled toilet for a few needs i have from bladder well i dont have a bladder i have a urostomy and i also have walking problems perhaps your company need to review its policy on disability and the need for accesible toilets ,

sorry didnt mean to give TMI about myself but i really gets on my wick ,

I wouldn't argue with someone with a broken leg using a disabled loo, some normal cubicles are so tiny it'd be almost impossible to get in and manoeuvre with a large cast!

So how do you explain the fact that my brother cannot use the standard toilet facilities even when he is not in his wheelchair, Serenity?

i cannot believe that anyone would think the op should not have used that toilet, but ignore the selfish mummy who proudly proclaims that they use one just so they don't wake their baby!!

YANBU. Some people just need the extra space, or can't queue for continence reasons or need additional help from another person or need the sink in the same room as the wc. I can understand why people in wheelchairs might get a bit pissed off when they think they are waiting for the only toilet they can use because another person doesn't want to walk another 10 feet or wait in a queue but its not up to them to question another persons medical need in public.

Sorry cake is my saviour I can't possibly provide solutions to everyones life problems. I have no idea how your brother should use the loo.

What about perfectly able bodied people who suffer with IBS, more specifically IBS-D? If the regular cubicles are full but the disabled one is empty what should they do? Stand there sweating and shaking while they soil themselves because IBS isn't considered a disability? No sarcasm intended at all but I think under circumstances like that there is a genuine need to use the disabled facilities.

My DD doesn't use a wheelchair, but she needs help wiping bottom and doing up trousers, etc. When she has her period, she needs help changing her pads. This is due to multiple disabilities.

She needs someone else in with her. And when not in school, that would be me. And the only way you would get me and her comfortably in a cubicle, would be if it were bigger than the standard one.

So I would use a disabled toilet.

reindeer i really think the signs should be changed ,

Serenity, my husband gets DLA and is legally entitled to use a disabled loo. He does not (yet) use a chair.

Considering how you're on here rowing with everyone who is telling you you're wrong, you're a fine one to tell people they're obsessed with toilets.

You are ignoring the point of my question. You said that nobody really needs to use a disabled toilet unless they are in a wheelchair. My own brother is just one example of why that statement is massively inaccurate, I'll repeat myself in the hope that you will understand this time - my brother does not always need to use a wheelchair, but he always needs to use a disabled toilet, he has no choice because he is unable to use standard toilet facilities.

Its as simple as that.

mrsjay I agree, as long as they have a pram with a cross through it, if they are called accesible toilets, then they will be full of prams/buggys and people who are disabled or have health problems, well will have to shit themselves

I always thought that, in addition to the loos being the right size for wheelchair users, they were large enough to accommodate anyone who needed a carer in with them to give them a hand. It's just daft to say they are only for disabled people with one particular form of disability.

I always thought that, in addition to the loos being the right size for wheelchair users, they were large enough to accommodate anyone who needed a carer in with them to give them a hand. It's just daft to say they are only for disabled people with one particular form of disability.

Onemorning - I'm starting to wonder if Serenity is a troll and just trying to wind people up.

serenity you sound like a lovely woman

There is no legal entitlement to use a disabled loo- it has nothing to do with dla or the blue badge scheme. Not sure what you're referring to there.

Serenitysutton your on the right thread as you are talking shit

Serenity - It could well be argued that I am toilet obsessed. Seen as though you plan toilets can you inform me correctly that I am not to use a toilet signed 'disabled toilet'? I will concur that I could not use a diabled signed toilet in any such event.

In future I will just pack a spare pair of clothes sod my DS's dignity hey

dawn - we are entitled to higher rate care DLA does this enable us to a key? And how do we apply?

Dont you just hate it when the strike out doesn't work! Loses the effect really doesn't it