On the Rest Room.

I never thought I’d have to determine where I would go out to dinner based on what kind of rest room the restaurant has, but here we are.

In truth, when I’m out and about, I try and avoid going to the bathroom altogether, but I have been mentally preparing a list of places I can go where the rest rooms are not only good, but comfortable for someone in my position.

What determines a good bathroom for someone on one foot, you might be asking yourself? (I’m betting you probably weren’t asking yourself, but you’re here and reading this blog, so you are now.)

First and foremost, it needs bars. Or a single bar. Something I can use to pull myself up to from the chair and then again from the toilet. Now, I can perhaps make that transfer if I have both the chair and my walker, but that would require more equipment when we leave the house, which is kind of not great.

Also, being able to traverse the restaurant to get to the bathroom is pretty key. Lots of places I’ve been either have a pathway that is too small, or crowded by tables and seats that block the way. I’m not crazy about asking people to get up from their seats while they’re eating dinner. Sure, they’ll do it, but it’s a thing for me.

I’m trying to get over it.

Also, the stall has to be able to not only fit my wheelchair, but be large enough for me to be able to turn around and close the door. I can’t transfer with my back to the toilet, and I really don’t want people to be coming in and watching me pee. Not my thing.

So, I’ve gotten into the habit of asking friends and family to scope out the situation when we first get to a place, so I know if I’m going to be able to use the toilet there or not.

That way, I can figure out how much beverage I can handle before having to go home. Just, like, water or soda, I mean.

Now, some places have absolutely surprised me with the size and comfort of their bathrooms. It makes me feel like I could stay there for hours and enjoy the company of whomever I’m with.

And some, on the other side of the coin, might have what they consider to be accessible bathrooms, but I can’t close the door without jamming the chair. I’m makinmg mental notes about each, so I know where I want to go again.

For what it’s worth, places like Barnes & Noble and Target have really good ones, which make shopping there easier. While a place like Buc-Ees, which has about a thousand bathroom stalls, really only has one for accessibility.

Finally, a plea.

If you don’t need an accessible bathroom, please don’t use one. I know the chances of someone like me pulling up when you’re in there are slim, but I promise that there’s nothing more frustrating than only having one choice for places to go, and seeing someone come out that could easily have used any stall in the place.

For your disabled friends, please don’t do this.

But also, if you do, we reserve the right to give you a deadass stare all the way to the sink.

You know what you did.

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As always, if you have it in you, please give a thought to donating time or money to Hospice Austin. They do amazing work for people who are going through the hardest thing a person can face.

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