handicapped restrooms

clicked on mini's site and realized that something was up again. seriously if you want to know the dramas of the blogosphere, that is the place to go. so xx is sparking controversy with her handicapped restrooms post. I take it for what it is, another xx post in the usual xx style. mini was chastising xx in her - I told you already, listen to wise old me - way. and then came the torrent of wtf, why is xx so freaking stupid posts. honestly, I was taken aback. I have never thought twice about going into handicapped restrooms. I'm always harping about how oblivious people are, and this time it looks like I am the inconsiderate one.

so I clicked over here and there and found out that I'm not the only callous bitch out there. in the states, almost every restroom is handicapped acessible. I can't remember going into a restroom that doesn't have at least one large stall equipped with handle bars. stand alone handicapped restrooms are very rare. of course small establishments usually have single stall restrooms that are handicapped accessible but meant for everyone. so the question is, are non-disabled people allowed to use the handicapped restrooms?

hca is what they are called - handicapped acessible. or in xx's case, hcaws - handicapped accessible with sinks. in both cases, they are labeled as accessible, not exclusive. hence you will not be fined for using the handicapped stall. so the issue becomes, should you? in the case of a crowded restroom, I believe it is ok to use the handicapped stall. why make the line any longer? what about when the restroom is not crowded? I don't think handicapped people should be given special treatment. they should be given priority and respect, but should they demand preferential treatment?

if one has a physical impediment that results in having difficulty standing, everyone should give you priority. whether you're old, in crutches, or pregnant, everyone should give up their seat for you or afford you priority for restrooms. no one should make you stay on your feet if they could help it. but if you're in a wheelchair and without visible distress, should I not make you wait in line at the restaurant or in the checkout line like the rest of us?? most people will let you cut queue even without you showing signs of distress but does that give you the right to expect it? is that preferential treatment courtesy or pity? that is another touchy subject as most handicapped people don't want to be seen as someone that needs special treatment. offering a seat to someone as an act of courtesy is sometimes miscontrued as an act of pity for someone weaker or lesser than yourself. we have to think twice before offering. anyway, what of the restroom issue? is it that bad to inadvertantly make a handicapped person (without incontinence) wait 2 mins while I take a quick pee? maybe because they can't run to the restroom in record time like the rest of us. maybe because there is only one restroom for them. hard to argue against, but if someone is in there for a quick pee, I don't see the harm in it.

before, I never considered handicapped people with bladder problems. a lot of people with bladder problems don't consider themselves handicapped. but that is a different story. there are many excuses for going for the handicapped stall besides the spaciousness and the sink and what not. but frankly, I choose stalls based on how clean they are. and sometimes, if the handicapped one happens to be cleaner, I'll use it. if the other two (usually there are 3 stalls) were dirty, I will use the handicapped stall. I also choose the handicapped stall when the regular stalls are cramped. some regular stalls are such that you'd have touch the toilet bowl when closing the door because it is that small. speaking about incontinence, my aunt wore a catheter, and she also wore depends. I'm not saying that handicapped people should just go in their depends and stop making a fuss. I'm saying that using the handicapped stall should not get us labeled as flaming retards. another thing that surprised me was the thinking that moms with kids should not use the handicapped restrooms. should the kids do it in full view of others then? also changing stations are almost always located in handicapped restrooms. excluding them from handicapped restrooms seems inconsiderate.

comparing using handicapped restrooms to handicapped parking spots is not being realistic. I have never been tempted to park in a handicapped parking spot. I think you should be labeled a flaming retard to do that.

so I'm glad that xx wrote that post. before, in a regular restroom, there is equal chance of me going into any of the stalls. but from now on, I will make a conscious effort to avoid the handicapped stalls but I will not exclude them. I will try to make it out as quickly as I can in case someone was waiting.