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?
Greetings, to "Brains from Thunderbirds"...(!)
I must say that I am not certain as to why I reply to this... but I support what you say and Mr.Robert123s answer. However, this is my own experience...
From Schooldays, I had built up an aversion to using "public/communal" toilets. Nowadays, I use the toilet before going out, and "hold it", until returning to a safe place again...!
You are totally correct about "Disabled" Toilets... spacious, cleaner (-ish), "more pleasant"... I use these when I can find them, and it is indeed all of that - compared to "normal" toilets...
(And as I type this, another answer has said what I was about to say - do not eat or drink while being away from a safe "toileting" area!)
...Finally, I say, do not be embarrassed or reluctant, for two reasons: 1- you are not the only "not in a wheelchair person" who does this. Just sit outside and you shall see (!). And 2 - ...You say that you have a National Radar Key Scheme... you yourself must have qualified for it, and so you are perfectly within your rights to use it. (Wave it at anyone whenever you exit!)