To be annoyed at being told to be considerate of disabled people

[DefendingPan]

This sign was in the disabled toilet in a restaurant (which is also the only baby change in the restaurant).

What’s the point of this sign? What might parents be doing that they will stop after reading this?

You can change a baby anywhere. Whereas an adult can’t go to the toilet anywhere.

i think you are being unreasonable because your post smacks of not understanding how marginalised disabled people are in society. Just because it doesn’t affect you does not mean you shouldn’t be made aware of this.

Irrelevant. It’s not a breastfeeding point. She can use a standard toilet if she feels the need to hide whilst breastfeeding. I never found an issue breastfeeding and changing nappies whilst out and I never used disabled or shared facilities.

I am aware of that so we need baby change areas with a toilet with room for a pram. I wouldn't actually use a disabled toilet that requires a key but I can see why some people purchase a key and use it. I have seen some toilets like I mention but very few and far between.

Exactly, it’s pathetic. Some parents are so entitled. Stop whining about how hard your life is because you have a pram and / or small children. I have 4 children as well. I’ve never expected people to roll out the red carpet for me.

Ambulent toilets can be used by anyone who needs more space - mums with pushchairs or disabled people who need more space to manoeuvre. Stand alone toilet rooms are not legally defined as accessible toilets. They are designed to accommodate more than one person so that disabled people and their carers can have access. Many stand alone toilet rooms require a radar key to be accessed. They are meant exclusively for use in this way. And I’m not an idiot - no need to be offensive, I may be in a wheelchair but I think I know the difference between a toilet and a parking space.

@IVFmumoftwo anyone who is not disabled purchasing a radar key is behaving disgracefully.
Most toilets have baby changing areas. If they do not meet your needs, campaign for better.

I suspect it's a reminder that it's not a convenient main level toilet, if you don't need a baby change table use the normal toilets which are often up or down stairs in pubs and restaurants. Yes this happens

I am just pointing out how stupid to have baby changing in the disabled toilet or in a room without a toilet. Surely a parent will need it as well? If the only baby change is in the disabled toilet I will use it but be very quick about it!

That's a really selfish attitude. I have IBD and in a flare up sometimes if I need to go, I need to go NOW. Your baby having an exploding/leaking nappy is inconvenient and messy yes and you need to change the nappy. But you expect to see baby's with a poo situation, it's not an embarrassment! An adult soiling themselves outside of the loo that is intended for them is!

If the main loos are free great, but often it's a further walk and if there is a queue it's very embarrassing to say "excuse me I need to cut in front as I'm going to shit myself!"

People with disabilities (that they didn't choose to have) needing their accessible toilet should always trump a baby (people choose to have) nappy change so should always be let in first.

Consider if they need to be in there with their toddlers? At our local pool families often use the disabled changing room which is pretty selfish. Mum dad and two kids using it while disabled person waiting around outside.

Maybe they don't want to change a baby in front of everyone else? I agree on the first point though.

Apologies if you felt my statement was rude.
I meant no offence and didn’t make any offensive remarks
I was simply repeating myself as you also felt the need to.
There is no law against using any accessible toilet. Whether labelled accessible, ambulant or disabled. It’s irrelevant
( Some toilets have keys which are only available to disabled people but still no law against the use by others even though they can’t get in them. )

Consideration for others is everything but if you’re desperate and right next to a disabled toilet you’re not breaking any laws by using it.

Just behind those of disabled people. Not absolutely everyone else. Just the people who struggle to use a normal loo and don't want to shit themselves because you're in there taking longer than you may need to to change a nappy. Fine if you just get on with it but some people take ages.

I suggest you go online and access the regulations. Accessible toilets are meant for use by anyone who needs them. Stand alone toilet rooms are not designated as accessible toilets. They are exclusively for the use of disabled people and their carers.

Some people do all sorts in these kinds of spaces, too - call people, put make up on.

And by doing so they may be condemning a disabled person who is incontinent to shitting themselves in front of everyone else. Or have a leaking stoma bag cause a mess in public. Which do you think would be more embarrassing ?

Our local hospital ousted two teenagers who were smoking weed in one. Says it all really.

A disabled person may have a toileting need - eg a stoma or need for catheter.
Lots of the time these people look like everyone else, rather than using a wheelchair/stick etc..
This is why disabled people waiting for a disabled loo probably need it more urgently than a toddler 🙄

I’m an architect
I design them in all the time and overall calculations count accessible toilets in with all others
Like I said, no one’s breaking any laws using them.
The only law is that they are provided when required as part of the Equalities Act

You only get a sign like that once there has been an incident. Probably for reasons pp have suggested: nappy change taking too long, parents feeding the baby at the same time etc.

You do realise this is breathtakingly entitled?

Because they can't be arsed to put one in the women's and men's toilets for some reason so bung it in the accessible changing room

But apparently entitled to expect that the entire world cater for you as a parent. The point you are missing here is that there is disability legislation that requires establishments to cater for disabled people. Many don’t. There are no consequences because the legislation isn’t enforced to any great degree. How would you feel as a disabled person knowing that legislation is there to provide for you but if people can’t be arsed enforcing it, then no biggie ?

From what I’ve read here, many of us think that parents should have a dedicated changing space and also on trains and in any other public shared space. It is a struggle to juggle a baby/small child and all the paraphernalia they need. Things are easier for parents than they used to be. I’m old so I remember the days when you had to fold up the pushchair to get on the bus while struggling with the children and shopping. It’s wrong that the two groups are pitted against one another in shared spaces for their needs to be met. That’s what needs to change in my view.

As a disabled lady, I am very pleased that sign is there, having seen so many people think oh I’ll use the disabled loo cos it’s nearest. I’ve seen a mum with a baby in a pram and a toddler all go into the loo, presumably for safety of the toddler whilst they change the baby. I was waiting for the loo as someone with a hidden disability. They took 20 minutes so presumably they’ve changed the baby and both the mother and toddler have used the loo. I was just grateful I didn’t have incontinence or bowel problems and was able to wait.