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.

I got a radar key from Superdrug believe it or not.

I have IBS too, plus some bladder issues. It's either the key of shitting/pissing myself in public whilst queuing politely.
I know what I prefer.

Go for it OP. Bowel issues are no fun, especially so young

I have one as I have Crohn’s disease and it makes me feel so much better about going out as I couldn’t think of anything worst then having an accident while I was out.

You can get them cheaply enough from ibd charities or I think even amazon/eBay sell them.

DD has one she has autism and struggles using the regular loos

RADAR keys were invented to ensure that those who needed them could have access to decently sized clean toilets.
Get one.

Yes, get one,OP, I second ListeningQuietly above.
btw, my GP has them in her desk drawer and doles them out to her patients, and I include myself in her largesse

One does NOT have to be registered disabled to get a radar key. See

Something else DD would find useful is a "Just can't wait" card free from

Be careful to buy one from a reputable supplier. Some of the ones sold cheaply are poorly cut and don't open all locks.
Something you don't want to find out at the wrong moment.

There isn't a reagister for disabled people as such you can prove disabilry through medical letters and proof of benefits. You can also buy a radr key without needing to prove yourself
www.incontinencechoice.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/47198/s/vivactive-toilet-card-radar-key-pack/category/1715/

Your daughter needs to have worry free access to the facilities.

I think some people who get them from Amazon and EBay are getting them for convenience but that certainly doesn't apply here.

Definitely get her one. She will likely be challenged though. Unfortunately you will always get people querying why you need one. Hidden disabilities are hard to prove.

@Cheesewiz

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

You can buy fake ones that work on amazon, they aren’t the official colour.

Yes of course, get her a key.

I hope it helps her confidence in going out and that Dr can diagnose and improve things for her

I have one for bladder and bowel issues.
I bought it from Bladder and Bowel UK I think. It was only £5. I've never actually had to use it yet, but it brings huge peace of mind.

I knew the person who thought up the concept.
If you need it, get one.

If you buy them on Amazon cos you are lazy - I have no words

Definitely get one.
I bought one a year ago for DD1 (aged 5) from Amazon. She has autism and has full on screaming meltdowns at the sound of hand-dryers, plus still has incontinence issues. It's far easier to get her to use a disabled toilet where I can reassure her beforehand we don't have to use the hand-dryer.
As far as I'm concerned anyone for who using a regular toilet isn't practical is entitled to get a radar key.

DH had one, he had COPD and lung cancer. Often toilets in restaurants are up or downstairs, he couldn't manage that and needed one on the same level. People used to look at him as he looked able bodied, but nobody could tell he only had one lung and was dying. He just grew a very thick skin and would ignore judgemental stares.

@TinnedPearsForPudding people like you wind me up, you can change a child most places but I can only go in an accessible toilet, the amount of times I've nearly had an accident because people are faffing in their with their kids it's actually not on. So let's not encourage people to mis use facilities.
The OP however I think it's a good idea for your daughter to get one, even if you never use it it's piece of mind

@SpartacusAutisticus yes very true and if you get them from the legitimate website the money goes back into helping disabled people and they have larger ends so are easier to grip

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

No you dont. What absolute tosh. There is no register. At all. Just get yourself one op, they are absolutely for conditions like that . You can get one on Amazon.

"You can buy fake ones that work on amazon, they aren’t the official colour."
There is no official colour. The ones on amazon work absolutely fine.

Absolutely fine.
Also, people changing their babies in the designated baby changing cubicle which is often the disabled toilet isn’t ‘misusing the facilities.’ It’s literally the opposite..!

Thanks all, will get her one just in case she needs it.
Good point re buying one from a charity (will choose an IBD one) so the money will go back to those who need it.

yes, as well as quick access (well, if you can find one ) having a cubicle with a washbasin is invaluable if any messy accidents/leakage - and probably better for everyone to be using a private basin within the cubicle.

@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?

But they are not. They are for anyone with any kind of disability which means they need an accessible loo. People with all sorts of disabilities including incontinence, bowel issues etc can buy a radar key from their mobility shop. I got one for a hidden disability which limits my mobility and I also have overactive bladder.