Hi, my name is Sunny_D! Does anyone else feel that they get treated like a second-class citizen?

Sunny_D

Does any other disabled person feel that they get treated like a second class citizen?  I get fed up not being able to access the most basic facilities that able bodied people take for granted.  Whilst shopping in the Trafford Centre I was unable to access the disabled toilet because it was locked.  To gain entry I needed to either go looking for an attendant or find the service desk and pay for an electronic key.  I would imagine for some unfortunate people that by the time they had managed to actually gain the access it would be too late.  I wrote to Andy Burnham, who would have you believe he cares about people, regarding this issue but it wasn't important enough for him to afford me the courtesy of a reply.  Must be nice to not have to worry about, what should be, a basic everyday human right.  These type of toilet facilities are also used in motorway service stations, Euston Station etc.  Not everyone travels with a passenger and is left to struggle in order to just use a toilet.  It is outrageous that the people that struggle the most every day are treated with such little compassion.  I cannot imagine any politician taking up the fight for fair access to toilets because there isn't any glory in dealing with the matter of accessible toilets.  I would love to have the basic right as able bodied people in order to access a toilet without feeling like I'm being penalised.  On a lighter note, I hope the New Year has started off well for everyone.

Sandy_123

Hi @Sunny_D you can purchase the key from disability rights and other places that unlocks the loos all around the UK. I know its not ideal to have to buy one, but it will save the hassle in the long run. Some info below on getting access to a free one 

https://www.commercialwashroomsltd.co.uk/blog/disabled-toilets/how-to-get-a-disabled-toilet-key.html#:~:text=How do I get a,be purchased via Commercial Washrooms.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Sunny_D

I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. Like other members have mentioned above, you can get a Radar key yourself. I would also look to contact the MP for the area the shopping centre is in. You may get a response from them? 

Sunny_D

Thank you for the info, I will definitely get a radar key.  It still rankles that disabled people have to go through the indignity of the process.  It's even worse because it is because abled bodied people thoughtlessly use the dedicated disabled toilets that the locks were introduced. 

Hannah_Alumni

@sunny_D I have a stoma and I can usually you the ladies no problem but sometimes need to use the disability bathroom. The number of times people have given me a funny look or questioned me... and I'm using a RADAR key! It is infuriating at times, 

Sunny_D

I do appreciate very much that there are some "hidden" disabilities.  I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 22.  For a long time people did not believe that I was disabled.  My son is a carer to a young man who has two stomas so I fully understand your situation.