National Key Scheme for toilets.

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?

Parents
  • I have often considered getting one of these keys. I struggle enormously with the lack of privacy in many toilets, but I have always worried that I didn't deserve it, or how I would feel if I walked out to find a wheelchair user waiting.

    I tend to avoid drinking whilst out to avoid using toilets. That's my usual method in any public space or someone else's house. I would love more freedom, but don't know if I could bring myself to actually use a key.

    I have occasionally used disabled toilets, but only ones that were already open. I think the key is the extra element that would worry me and make me feel guilty, but so many places do use this scheme which limits options if you don't have one. 

  • I struggle enormously with the lack of privacy in many toilets, but I have always worried that I didn't deserve it, or how I would feel if I walked out to find a wheelchair user waiting.

    I experience exactly the same.

    I tend to avoid drinking whilst out to avoid using toilets. That's my usual method in any public space or someone else's house. I would love more freedom, but don't know if I could bring myself to actually use a key.

    The same here.

    I also need more space as I feel claustrophobic in small spaces.

Reply
  • I struggle enormously with the lack of privacy in many toilets, but I have always worried that I didn't deserve it, or how I would feel if I walked out to find a wheelchair user waiting.

    I experience exactly the same.

    I tend to avoid drinking whilst out to avoid using toilets. That's my usual method in any public space or someone else's house. I would love more freedom, but don't know if I could bring myself to actually use a key.

    The same here.

    I also need more space as I feel claustrophobic in small spaces.

Children
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