To just want to use the toilet like everyone else?

[Bearsinmotion]

Really pisses me off. Not least because I complained about this a couple of years ago and nothing has changed.

At soft play with the kids, whole place was purpose built a couple of years ago. Nice big open plan gender neutral toilet area, baby change, low level sinks and hand driers for the kids, really well thought through.

BUT no accessible toilets. There is one tucked away from the main area. With a sign saying that to access the disabled toilet you had to ask for the key at reception. Not a radar key.

Why? Why can’t I just use the most appropriate toilet for my needs like everyone else? Why do I have to ask? Why? When I can’t walk very far, I have to walk further than everyone else? Why do people who are more likely to need to access toilets quickly have to wait longer than anyone else? I actually think I know at this particular place because when I asked previously to be unlocked it took five minutes for them to move all the cleaning stuff out of the way.

Utterly infuriating. I had been really looking forward to bringing the kids back, I had forgotten how sad and angry this makes me.

YANBU.

The whole point of accessible toilets is to be ACCESSIBLE. Not as storage space or a box ticking exercise.

I can understand keeping them locked to avoid unwanted use. But they need to be usable.

Have you complained/asked why they can't fit a radar lock?
is directly addressing the issue doesn't work, twitter/google & tripadvisor reviews?
Look for alternative venues?

Yanbu. Can't believe 20% of people have said yabu!!!

I agree. It’s so frustrating and I actually find it quite offensive when you’re made to stand there while a staff member huffily clears out cleaning materials and Christmas decorations.

On the other hand, I bet if it was left open it would just be used as a ‘family’ toilet. A better idea would be a buzzer at the door which can be released remotely.

Or a radar lock obviously.

You're right to be angry. Especially about them blocking it up with cleaning stuff, it's not on. Agree about asking them about fitting it with a radar key and not blocking access to it, it's just ridiculous.

I can understand why large shopping centres, train stations etc would need a key (if it can be collected easily nearby) but a kids play place? That's really unnecessary.

Calling them out on social media seems to be the best place to get any response and change nowadays, sadly.

@ThinWomansBrain

Have you complained/asked why they can't fit a radar lock? is directly addressing the issue doesn't work, twitter/google & tripadvisor reviews? Look for alternative venues?

But she doesn't want to run a campaign or go elsewhere, she just wants to go to the loo!

Of course YANBU - it's particularly galling somewhere recently purpose built, it's a little more understandable in older places that have been retrofitted.

The other thing I hate is when they combine baby change and the accessible toilet - again, one thing in an older building where there was no choice but you still see it being put in newly built facilities. It makes no sense - as you say, users of accessible loos are less likely to be able to wait so don't combine their facilities with one of the lengthiest activities!

But she doesn't want to run a campaign or go elsewhere, she just wants to go to the loo!

Exactly this. I have enough to deal with without having to campaign to access a perfectly functional toilet.

Bold fail

Why haven't you written a complaint to the management of the softplay venue?

I totally agree with you. And some disabilities make it more difficult for you to wait, added to the fact that everything may be more difficult/slower for you once you get in there. You definitely should ask them to change the lock to a Radar lock. Dignity and respect comes in here.

Why haven't you written a complaint to the management of the softplay venue?

I have. See the first line of my OP.

I work with people who require accessible toilets, so I always double check this when booking venues. And have still ended up clearing out mops, toys, Christmas decorations and god knows what from them when I arrive on the day. Imagine what it’s like for the disabled person who routinely finds them cluttered up with random shite, if they exist at all. Such a lack of awareness and thoughtfulness. Infuriating. And yes I do raise it with the venues.

You are not being unreasonable, you shouldn't have to fight to have basic needs met. It saddens me that a large section of society still only pays lip service to accessibility.

@Bearsinmotion

Why haven't you written a complaint to the management of the softplay venue?

I have. See the first line of my OP.

OP- the first line of your OP said that you complained. It makes no mention if this was a formal letter to management, or just a verbal. What was the response?

No response but I feel you are missing the point.

Maybe we should all ask venues about their accessible loos? Just make a point of asking when you visit somewhere - it would raise awareness and maybe do something to make the situation better - it'd only take a minute. I think I'm going to do it (in Ireland, so not for a while as nothing's open at the moment) - minor inconvenience for me, might be of benefit to others. Anyone else?

I know you shouldn't have to, but you ask when you arrive about the toilet - is it accessible (ie no crap in the way)? Could it be unlocked now? Explain that one of the reasons you need it is that you can't walk far, easily, so having to take the long route via reception isn't an option for you. And do it every time you go there. It makes it their problem a bit more, rather than just yours. And you never know, one day you might speak to someone who can actually see the problem and does something about it.

For a good percentage of my life I've needed accessible toilets, I could just about use normal cubicles but it's a hassle and uncomfortable but the I could never figure out why accessible toilets needed to be separated or locked, why can't 'able-bodied' people use them also, why have a perfectly functioning toilet locked up for the use of a minority?

I don't have to ask to use the toilet or write a letter so why should OP. People with disabilities shouldn't need to complain or explain or ask in advance.

Disgusting that in this day and age a business is blatantly discriminating in this way. You shouldn't have to launch a campaign to assert your right to basic human dignity.

Maybe we should all ask venues about their accessible loos? Just make a point of asking when you visit somewhere - it would raise awareness and maybe do something to make the situation better - it'd only take a minute. I think I'm going to do it (in Ireland, so not for a while as nothing's open at the moment) - minor inconvenience for me, might be of benefit to others. Anyone else?

I would love to see this happen.

Really not good at this bold thing!

I went back there today and sent a Facebook message (couldn’t face a confrontation in person). Apparently it’s because the disabled toilet is a full on accessible changing space and has to be kept locked in case the adjustable bed is misused. I pointed out that it means all disabled people still need to ask to use the toilet. Apparently we don’t as there is an unlocked toilet in reception. I pointed out that still means asking as I have to ask as I have to actually leave the play area (I.e. go through the exit gates, which means taking the kids, and asking to be let in again, as well as walking further, and asked why there isn’t just an accessible toilet with all the others. No reply. No apology.

I won’t be back.