Using a handicap stall when not handicapped
By Sandy KS
@rusty2rusty (6771)
Defiance, Ohio
October 28, 2008 10:50am CST
Whenever I go out and end up going to the bathroom. I tend to use the handicap stall. As it is easy for me to get up and down without falling cause my bad leg. But there has been times, a friend I am with will rush in front of me as fast as she can to the handicap stall. I don't understand why....As she is not handicap in any shape or form, nor does she have a little child in tow where she may need the extra room. The woman weighs maybe 100 pounds if she is lucky. So, she doesn't need the extra room to move around either. I have found this behavior of hers down right rude to say the least.
Have you ever seen this behavior?
How do I handle this without being rude back?
Have you ever used a handicap stall not being handicap?
If so, what was your reasons?
6 people like this
8 responses
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
28 Oct 08
Yes this friend knows I am handicap. I always let people upfront know about it. Cause people always seem to have questions about why I walk so slow.
4 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
28 Oct 08
I have seen women do this, and I too think it's rude. On the other hand, I use the hanicap stall, but always make sure that there isn't a handicap person who needs it first. I use it because when I use the regular stall, I get so claustrophobic that I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack. If I'm at an outdoor event, I'll leave early and go home before I use one of those ecology cans...I just can't do it. I can't ride in a car or taxi if the windows are all closed either, and at home I always have to have a window open, even in the winter.
4 people like this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
28 Oct 08
Oh I understand about the claustrophobic feeling. Some of those are small i wonder how in the world anyone can use them but a small child. Seriously, someone that is heavy set won't be able to.
4 people like this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
30 Oct 08
Ah, so you have seen and experienced what i am talking about. Some stalls have gotten so small it really surrpises me. I mean woman are looked at to be small and frail. But I hate to tell them them..Most woman are not small and frail. Some are tall and big bone, heavy set, fat or really over weight. You name it we come in all different shapes and sizes. Those extra small stalls don't accomidat etaking a child to the bathroom either without having the door open while you help.
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
28 Oct 08
I agree with that! We have a local theater that was required to put in additional stalls, because of the potential volume of patrons. I'm normal-sized, but if I had to use a regualr stall, my shoulders would touch on both sides. If it wasn't for the larger handicap stall, I wouldn't be able to attend that theater.
3 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
30 Oct 08
i would just remind her that it should be left open for someone that truly needs it.
i've only ever used one in the most dire emergency and the bathroom was otherwise full-but i try not to,my kidneys would have to be at the floating point.
3 people like this
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
28 Oct 08
Yes, I have seen this and I also think it's rude. Before I had my own physical problems, even when it was the only stall available, I wouldn't use it. I was always afraid that if I did, someone would come in sitting in a wheelchair and have to wait.
4 people like this
@rocketj1 (6955)
• United States
28 Oct 08
If no one is waiting in line, then anyone may use it. There is no permit required as in a handicap parking space. If however, you see someone who needs that stall because of an apparent need, you should be polite and let them go first.
Does you friend know that this stall is easier for you? People who are healthy don't always comprehend the necessity of the extra room or the higher commode. She may not be aware of your preference. You need to voice your concerns. She is not a mind-reader, nor should she be expected to be. Then, if she cuts in front of you again, you may need to have a little talk with her. Be patient with others, it is always less stressful.
4 people like this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
28 Oct 08
Yes this friend does know it is easier for me to use. Because we have discussed using handicap stalls before. I have explained how I use the bars on the side to help me get back up without falling. Besides that the fact I married to her brother. That is what she does, she cuts in front of me. She can move faster. As I can't because of my disibility.
4 people like this
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
5 Nov 08
I will only use the handicapped when there is noone else in the restroom waiting. I would not do it if anyone handicapped was waiting or if I had any idea that anyone was waiting.I always like it better because there is more room!
@Marie5656 (336)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I often use the stall if it is available due to my arthritis. It is easier for me to get up and down using the grab bars.
I wish more stalls had grab bars, and not just the larger wheel chair accessable ones. But, if I have no choice I will use a regular one. Just a bit harder for me.
2 people like this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
5 Nov 08
I understand completely. I use the handicap stalls for the use of those same bars. As I have fallen in teh smaller ones and have hurt myself more than on a few occasions.
1 person likes this
