October 23 - Public Washrooms

I like talking with my friend, Sue, about some of the challenges of limited vision. After a recent solo trip, Sue wrote to me about one of our common frustrations – public washrooms. There are multiple configurations of entryways, door locks, flushing mechanisms, taps and hand dryers. Even finding the exit again can be a challenge. I am going to quote Sue here because she put the problem fairly succinctly.

Sue wrote, “Nothing seems to be standardized. I am usually with my guide dog so I look for the handicapped cubicle. This is usually at the far end of a row – but not always. If you find the toilet, you might need the toilet tissue – usually forward on the right side   - but not always. As you stand, the flush handle might be on the wall or the toilet tank. It might be a button or a handle, or it might be motion initiated, making you jump violently before you even have the chance to get your drawers up.” I will add here that there is also the flush which comes on as you open the door and leave the cubicle, sometimes with a slight delay making one wonder if the flush will come on at all.

Then there is the foray into the wash area. Will the taps automatically send water into the basin or have they been designed by some fiendish mind who wants you to try all forms of hand gymnastics to send the water forth. Rarely does one find an old fashioned turn the handle tap. Are the soap containers on the basin or on the mirror? Are there hand towels or electric dryers? If it is a paper towel dispenser how does one get the next towel to appear and where do you dispose of it when done? Personally I like the electric dryer because although it is noisy, I can hear when the person before me is using it and I can follow the sound to find it myself.

Then comes the memory test. How did I get in here in the first place and now where is the door to get out? Sue travels with her guide dog, Button, and so issues the command, “Out!” My white cane doesn’t seem to follow the same directions and some public washrooms are definitely more confusing  in their design than others.

Sue didn’t mention a problem that I don’t have with my cane and one which I am sure has confronted her on occasion. Humans aren’t the only ones who need a washroom break.  At an airport, where is that little patch of grass for a guide dog?  I am sure that there must be something somewhere because I have noticed police and customs dogs at airports. Dogs have biological needs too. Where does a guide dog go to go?

Then, I leave one of the biggest problems to last. If you are travelling alone, how do you locate the washroom in the first place? It is all very well to have the little braille dots at the entry of both men’s and women’s washrooms, but does a blind person need to feel all the way down the wall to find them. It’s not like a sighted person who can simply glance down the hallway and spot the sign.

So there is my grumble, but it is one with a message. If you see a blind person travelling alone, do approach them to ask if they need help. The answer might be no, but you could well be the angel in disguise, arriving in a time of need.