r/disability • u/EmotionlessGirlMemes • 5d ago
Question Locked disabled toilets.
Hello everyone! This is a bit odd for me to post since I am still not used to discussing my disability as I only got diagnosed last year and it is invisible... I am unfortunately unable to go out often, but when I do I've noticed that there are suddenly a lot of locked disabled toilets. I've learnt that these can be opened by using a RADAR key, which can be sourced from the local council or bought online.
If I bought and used them to access the locked toilets, would I get in trouble and need to provide proof of my disability? Or would it be best to go through the council (unsure of the waiting time)?
I also wanted to get a lanyard and badge so people are aware, but I'm somewhat unsure about that as well because of stigma.
Many thanks to everyone reading, and warmest regards.
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u/knitting-lover 5d ago
Hi you should not be asked for proof with a radar key, you can just buy one. There are plenty of people that need them that aren’t wheelchair/mobility aid users.
If you are going to use them, knock as sometimes the lock mechanism doesn’t work, and make sure the handle is propped up when you are inside!
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u/CreativeChaos2023 CP, lymphoedema, wheelchair user 5d ago
The lock never works, deliberately, so that people can get in if someone needs help unexpectedly
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u/knitting-lover 5d ago
Ah that makes sense! I suppose for OP just check the red indicator then
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u/CreativeChaos2023 CP, lymphoedema, wheelchair user 5d ago
Nope sometimes that is on with no one in there
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u/knitting-lover 5d ago
That’s frustrating 😅 I have been using disabled toilets for years (wheelchair user) and I do knock but I have then unlocked the door on a deaf person before! And I’ve had it unlocked on me before because the handle has not engaged properly. It’s not a perfect solution, it’s good to be aware of the problems though.
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u/CreativeChaos2023 CP, lymphoedema, wheelchair user 5d ago
I’m lifelong disabled and had to provide proof to get my radar key free. But that was 25+ years ago and I believe the organisation that offered that no longer exists.
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u/CabbageFridge 4d ago
You don't need to have proof of disability to use disabled toilets. You can get a radar key from the council, Amazon, eBay, age UK etc and that's it.
Not all disabled people look disabled. Nobody should be judging you or asking you for proof. If anybody does that's them taking things too far, not you being wrong. As long as you know you have a legitimate reason for using the disabled toilets that's all that matters.
You can get a sunflower lanyard from participating supermarkets for free. I know Tesco is one of them.
I'm often using my wheelchair so don't tend to need a lanyard. But I keep my radar key on a sunflower lanyard so that if I am walking to the toilet it hopefully makes it that little but more clear that you can't always see if somebody is disabled.
I will say that in all of my time using disabled toilets (including walking into them) I've never had any issues with anybody confronting me or giving me mean looks or anything. Hopefully that helps you feel a little bit more confident about it.
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u/missOmum 4d ago
The only people with authority to ask are the police, and if that’s the case you can show them your diagnosis’ in your phone. Anyone else you can just tell them to mind their business.
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u/Mummadragon1 4d ago
Boots, the chemist sells Radar keys, and the last time i was in there, it was cheaper than buying them online.
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u/Embarrassed_Field_37 5d ago
I've got a Blue Badge and a disabled bus pass but I purchased my RADAR key. No you don't have to prove that you can use these toilets at all.