AIBU disabled parking and toilets

[sashh]

OK this is not exactly ATAT but, I have a disability and a blue badge. I just wondered how many other people have been given excuses by apparently (yes I know there are hidden disabilities, but people with genuine need tend not to mumble excuses) able bodies people using the blue badge spaces and the accessible toilet.

I've waited outside a toilet because someone was getting changed to go out after work(twice, different places.)

Been stopped from going in to the accessible toilet by a woman with a toddler and a very loud, "Excuse me..." looks at toddler, then notices my walking stick and says, "Oh go on".

Had someone rattle the handle to the extend I was scared to open the door because I thought I would break my wrist while the handle was rattled because their child needed to change.

Not be able to pay my rent because the only accessible bays near the bank were all taken by Xmas shoppers with no blue badges and my housing benefit was paid by cheque so I couldn't get the money i to my account before my rent went out.

Not able to shop if it's raining because then all the blue badge spaces are taken by cars without badges.

I'll probably remember a few more.

So then do like Dawn said and start a campaign for the facilities.

Don't use those intended to make life slightly easier for one of the most vulnerable groups in society

Well, how about more of the spacious toilets for both groups? Or one of each so less waiting time? It doesn't have to be a them and us scenario. Both groups have a need. Yes, one need is far greater and permanent but one doesn't invalidate the other.

This is going to keep going around in circles.

No one is going to campaign as they don't think they have to.

By putting the baby changing facilities in the disabled toilets it's allowing them to be used by parents.

Take them out and put them in the ladies.
Where are men going to change their baby?

Have a separate baby changing facility.
Where are people with disabilities going to change their baby?

Can't they just make all toilets accessible?
Take out 6 standard toilets and replace with 3 all accessible toilets. Queues will be longer as less facilities.

Worth mentioning too that however difficult you find the logistics of having a child, the fact remains that you did choose to have them. Whether by actively TTC, or by choosing not to terminate, or by carrying to term and opting not to adopt, that child is in your life through a series of your own choices.

No one chooses to be incontinent.
No one chooses to be wheelchair bound.
No one chooses to suffer from dementia.

So, worth mentioning that however inconvenienced you may feel as a parent of a young child, your inconvenience is of your own doing. It is not a justification for co-opting resources that actual disabled people actually need.

Natural consequences for a choice you made do not trump the needs of those who did not choose their situation.

It's arguably not a choice such as buying a yacht or something. It's a natural progression for many people, a relationship. I don't like the notion of choice being used in this way in a debate because it doesn't fit and because, rather unkindly, it's as good as saying you should have kept your legs shut if you don't like it.

In any case, having to use a loo as a fully grown adult with your privates exposed is as pretty high up in the inconvenience stakes

I would consider "having to use a loo as a fully grown adult with your privates exposed" pretty inconvenient, absolutely - but I have never claimed you are not inconvenienced.

My contention is that your temporary inconvenience is NOT THE SAME as a lifelong situation necessitating concessions such as these.
My contention is that your temporary inconvenience is NOT more worthy of consideration than a disabled person's ability to exist in public AT ALL.

But I agreed with you as did lots of others.

I only felt i had to comment as some of the posts implied that parents should expect nothing at all in terms of making their lives easier

You can still have baby change in the disabled toilet - for disabled people to use. Ideally changing places toilets.

Who said only put them in the ladies toilets? Why can't they go in both?

How is reducing the number of toilets going to help those with continence problems?

Trifleorbust Because I disagree

You disagree with fact?

The more posts of yours I read, the more I hope my guess is right and you're a bullshitter instead of a real teacher.

DailyMailReadersAreThick

Erm, no, very real.

It really isn't the end of the world when someone disagrees with you, you know. You call it a fact. I disagree.