Written by Julie Jones, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, October 28, 2024
I have somewhat of a reputation in our Have Wheelchair Will Travel community for having an unusually keen interest in accessible bathroom facilities (that’s probably an understatement given I found 1109 images of accessible bathrooms on my phone when I looked today). So much so, I receive messages and photos of bathrooms from all over the world. I figure when you get a reputation for something you either try to distance yourself from it, or you lean in. As anyone that knows me well will understand, I’ve decided to lean in, embrace and shout my interest from the rooftops. And in doing so, we’ve launched the inaugural Best Accessible Bathroom Awards on Travel Without Limits.
Best Accessible Bathroom Awards
My Travel Without Limits digital editor, Sheree, came up with the idea that we should find a way to celebrate businesses, councils and others that are providing great bathroom facilities, highlight the need for appropriate bathroom facilities and also shine a light on the consequences for people with a disability if people misuse the facilities.
So, if you know of a great accessible bathroom in Australia and like me have a photo on your phone already, from 1 November you can pop that image up and nominate it as a great example of an accessible bathroom. If you don’t have a photo already, you have a few weeks to nominate.
What qualifies for Best Accessible Bathroom?
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned since having Have Wheelchair Will Travel and Travel Without Limits magazine is that everyone’s needs are so different. Someone can find one bathroom fabulous and accessible, while another person’s needs are totally different.
Change facilities and a hoist are essential for some of our readers.
Other people need a unisex accessible bathroom so their caregiver of an opposite sex can assist them in the bathroom
Some people need a toilet with grab rails.
A push button entry can be helpful.
Murals can make a bathroom more welcoming for some but others find it is a sensory overload.
A MLAK lock can mean the facilities are cleaner and more available to those that need them but other people feel the lock makes a facility less inclusive. If you don’t know about the MLAK you can read about it and how to get one in this blog.
The location of accessible facilities is also key. Airports, major city centres, beaches, shopping centres, stadiums and parks are just a few places people need access to facilities.
Access to an accessible bathroom is a basic human right. I am fortunate that people feel comfortable enough to message me with their personal concerns about travelling with their loved ones with a disability, but I also find it frustrating when I can’t offer a solution to toileting simply because an appropriate facility isn’t available.
Hopefully we can compile a list from the information received. We know that Changing Places have a list on their website and that there is a Toilet Map, but we know there are still gaps so let’s collaborate!
Bathroom versus toilet
Every time I use the term ‘accessible bathroom’ someone pipes up and corrects me saying it should be ‘accessible toilet.’ I stand by the term ‘accessible bathroom’ as a truly accessible facility includes more than a toilet. Some people require a shower in the bathroom to manage accidents and many people need a hoist and height adjustable change bed.
Lever taps, grab rails and ample circulation space all provide greater comfort than just focusing on a toilet. Within the wider community and within the disability community we need to spread the word that accessible means something different to everyone.
Misuse of accessible bathrooms
We have all entered an accessible bathroom to find it being used as a storeroom, piled high with restaurant highchairs and supplies and this really grinds my gears. People need to know better. Many of us have also witnessed a sheepish tradie come out of an accessible bathroom obviously a little shy about doing his business in the communal bathrooms and looking for a bit of privacy. Some of you have even reported seeing giggling teenage couples, and some older couples, coming out of the bathrooms looking guilty after getting up to some hanky panky because accessible bathrooms offer privacy and space for goodness-only-knows what shenanigans. I know you all see red over these issues.
I think we do need to be mindful that many people use the accessible bathroom facilities if they have a hidden disability though. We once waited outside a bathroom for ages and a lady came out. We didn’t say anything but seeing us waiting with Braeden in his wheelchair she obviously felt embarrassed and disclosed she uses a colostomy bag and needed the space to deal with that. I felt awful that she felt the need to disclose that information as she had every right to use the bathroom. So please always remain mindful and be kind just in case there is a reason that isn’t evident.
Why we want your help
For people outside of the disability community, finding, accessing and using a bathroom isn’t even a second thought. They can rock up to any bathroom and pop in and out without any planning or concern. That’s not the case for many people living with a disability, for older people using mobility aids and those using a wheelchairs. Getting access to an appropriate bathroom can cause so much concern that people don’t go out, don’t travel and experience a limited life. In my mind, access to a bathroom should not limit your lifestyle.
Even if you don’t need these facilities I hope that you understand that many people do and your support can assist them.
So please join us and share your images and information. While we want to highlight this as a serious topic I believe in having fun with things, thus the photo of me, the accessible bathroom queen, in a bathroom with a tiara on!
Accessible unisex bathroom at Daydream Island in the Observatory
Best Accessible Bathroom Awards sponsors
Everything is better with the backing of people who believe in what you do and those that understand the needs of people living with disabilities. Firstly, a big thank you to Chris Sparks for going above and beyond on my behalf to find a sponsor, to Kate from Country Care for caring and saying yes to being our major sponsor, and to Drew from Beachwheels for providing a prize for our Best Accessible Bathroom Award winner.
Here are some tips on bathrooms and managing incontinence when you are on the go in this blog and here’s a lovely example of an airport accessible bathroom with all the bells and whistles at Melbourne Airport.