Published on 12, July, 2020
I have had a 'Radar' National Key Scheme key for some time.
I find public toilets impossible, they are smelly and unhygeinic with wet (urine) soaked floors, rudimentary handwashing facilities, and only slightly better than wetting myself. I will only use one when absolutely desperate. I therefore thought that as I was Autistic I would get a key so I could use the 'disabled' toilet.
Problem is, I cannot bring myself to use it. I do not have a wheelchair or have physical problems using a 'normal' toilet. The problems I have are a mental aversion. On the odd occasion I have used the 'disabled' toilet (what a strange name, it is not the toilet that is disabled, it works perfectly!) it is because the normal one is out of use. And it has always been a lot cleaner and more pleasant.
So should I just grit my teeth and bear the normal toilets? Or should I ignore the (perceived) thoughts of those who think I should not use the disabled toilet. Or is it the case I should not use the disabled toilet at all as they are only intended for those who are physically disabled?
There are very many disabilities that are invisable, but still mean you need to have an accessible toilet, yours is one of them so use it. No one else knows why you or anyone else uses that bathroom.