I need the toilet I say to Mr H on a recent day out to a countryside event. The disabled toilet is there. He points at a small grey horse box with a ramp beside a portacabin with steps containing the ladies and gents toilets.
Locked
Surely my usual disabled toilet radar key will fit. I pull it out of my bag.
NO.
It's a good job I'm not plaiting my knees I mutter...
I walk back down the ramp. Put my walking sticks back into their holders on my rollator and head to the tent. I ask about the key.
I walk back down the ramp. Put my walking sticks back into their holders on my rollator and head to the tent. I ask about the key.
Ah yes the first aid lady says I’ll let you in. She walks back with me, opens the door and I enter. At last I can wee…
Wee done and toilet flushed a chemically blue, I stand and press the tap to wash my hands at the basin.
Nothing comes out.
I try again. Still nothing.
I press the soap dispenser. Nothing. Try again. A tiny blob of something hits my palm. Could this be gel I wonder as I sniff, while staring at the waterless tap and large sink. I rub it hopefully onto my hands and leave.
I walk back to the tent to advise the key lady that I have finished as she requested, I also tell her there is no water or soap. She says she’ll lock up and look into it.
I walk back to the tent to advise the key lady that I have finished as she requested, I also tell her there is no water or soap. She says she’ll lock up and look into it.
I am not filled with hope.
Before I turn around to leave I ask a question to which I already know the answer; Are the toilets for the able bodied also kept locked?
Before I turn around to leave I ask a question to which I already know the answer; Are the toilets for the able bodied also kept locked?
The lady pauses and looks at the ground as she replies
No they are not.
I walk away.
I ask Mr H if there was water, soap and paper towels in the gents. Of course he says.
This is what living with a disability looks like. Accessibility is the buzz word. But how can that toilet be called accessible when the less mobile are forced to walk extra distance to ask to be let into a toilet which then doesn’t have the basic facilities.
Mr H and I raised our concerns with a few staff but it remained locked.
Well that toilet story has warmed me up…
There is no such thing as click and book in relation to a hotel room when you are disabled. We always have to phone the hotel direct. The search is arduous because not all hotels have accessible rooms. If they do they vary drastically, there is no standardised accessible room.
I have learnt to be specific about my needs when booking accommodation:
I need a lift if the room is above ground floor.
A walk in shower with grab rails is essential.
A higher toilet is desirable but not critical provided there’s a rail I can grab to stand if the loo is too low… I have already yanked on too many wobbly sinks and toilet roll holders when trying to get off a low toilet, wondering if I will have to shout for help.
Well that toilet story has warmed me up…
There is no such thing as click and book in relation to a hotel room when you are disabled. We always have to phone the hotel direct. The search is arduous because not all hotels have accessible rooms. If they do they vary drastically, there is no standardised accessible room.
I have learnt to be specific about my needs when booking accommodation:
I need a lift if the room is above ground floor.
A walk in shower with grab rails is essential.
A higher toilet is desirable but not critical provided there’s a rail I can grab to stand if the loo is too low… I have already yanked on too many wobbly sinks and toilet roll holders when trying to get off a low toilet, wondering if I will have to shout for help.
But before I pick up the phone I start my Google photo research to identify if I can get into and out of any of my shortlisted hotels independently. For me that means checking photos of the entrances for step free access.
That information in hand I pick up the phone.
But here’s the catch even when you phone and request an accessible room most hotels will not guarantee you’ll get that room when you arrive.
So I emphasise that my booking is conditional on getting the accessible room and I pursue the hotel until I have a written confirmation that I am guaranteed a suitable room.
Then I lie down in a darkened room for a week wondering why I travel and why I feel so tired!
Unfortunately for those who seek accessibility, the choice of room is usually pretty limited. You can forget asking for an accessible suite in a swanky hotel should you be lucky enough to afford one. Most hotels only turn a couple of standard rooms into truly accessible rooms which are (hopefully) suitable for someone with limited mobility or who requires the use of a wheelchair to get around.
But it doesn't end there. I then always contact the hotel a few days before we go to double check that they still have the accessible room available.
So I emphasise that my booking is conditional on getting the accessible room and I pursue the hotel until I have a written confirmation that I am guaranteed a suitable room.
Then I lie down in a darkened room for a week wondering why I travel and why I feel so tired!
Unfortunately for those who seek accessibility, the choice of room is usually pretty limited. You can forget asking for an accessible suite in a swanky hotel should you be lucky enough to afford one. Most hotels only turn a couple of standard rooms into truly accessible rooms which are (hopefully) suitable for someone with limited mobility or who requires the use of a wheelchair to get around.
But it doesn't end there. I then always contact the hotel a few days before we go to double check that they still have the accessible room available.
This may seem a bit excessive to the routine hotel click and bookers but it is essential as previously the day before we were travelling, my booked and confirmed accessible room was allocated it to another customer who decided to stay longer. I was offered an alternative room with a bath! A bath!
So with a happy grin I sigh with relief when we arrive and find that the room and venue are as accessible as indicated in print and in photos. Except for the locked toilet of course!
