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Almost four in ten Brits with hidden disabilities (37 per cent) say they have been challenged when attempting to use accessible (disabled toilets) washrooms*, with many being told they do not look ‘disabled enough’ according to shocking new research released today. It is a worryingly regular occurrence, with seven in ten (70 per cent) saying it happens at least once a month.
The new research commissioned by Initial Washroom Hygiene, amongst 500 UK adults with long-term health conditions, impairments, or disabilities who need to use accessible washrooms, revealed some shocking results. Over a third (35 per cent) of all people with disabilities have faced negative reactions or been scrutinised by other members of the public when trying to use these essential facilities.
Amongst them, the most common challenges they faced from other members of the public include disapproving stares (69 per cent), verbal challenges regarding their right to use the space (46 per cent), with 49 per cent even being told they ‘don’t look disabled’.
A lack of understanding appears to be to blame, with accessible washrooms often assumed to be only for those with visible mobility challenges, which might largely be due to the use of the wheelchair symbol on signage. Indeed half of people with disabilities (53 per cent) feel that accessible washrooms need better signage to communicate that they are for people with all types of disability.
A fifth of the respondents (18 per cent) feel that the public are unaware of the various reasons someone might need to use an accessible washroom. However, many people with invisible conditions such as, chronic pain, autism, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, or those living with stoma bags will often need to use an accessible washroom. To help address this, Initial Washroom Hygiene has introduced six new signs that businesses can use to raise awareness of the wide range of disabilities or long-term health conditions that may mean a person needs to use an accessible washroom.
More than half of respondents (63 per cent) also believe accessible washrooms don’t adequately cater to all needs, with mental health issues (32 per cent), mobility impairments (28 per cent), visual impairments (21 per cent), hearing impairments (21 per cent), and incontinence (21 per cent) commonly cited as being overlooked.
While emotional struggles are a significant part of the experience, the practical challenges are equally troubling. Over half of disabled Brits (54 per cent) often encounter locked accessible washrooms, forcing them to ask for a key, while almost three quarters (72 per cent) have struggled to find an accessible washroom and 70 per cent have avoided certain locations due to uncertainty about available facilities.
In light of these findings, Initial Washroom Hygiene is calling on businesses, public spaces, and policymakers to take action to better accommodate individuals with hidden disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Door signage is a practical way to show what conditions an accessible washroom caters for as well as being a way of helping to educate other washroom users on the various reasons someone might need to use an accessible washroom. Currently, many signs only feature the traditional wheelchair symbol, which does not reflect the needs of those with less visible conditions.
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical & Innovations Manager at Initial Washroom Hygiene, comments: “Everyone deserves a dignified washroom experience, and by introducing more inclusive signage, we can help ensure that accessible washrooms are recognised for what they truly are: spaces for everyone. It’s crucial that public spaces and businesses adopt clearer signage to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make sure that all individuals,regardless of the visibility of their disability or long-term health condition can access the facilities they need without fear of judgement or discomfort.”
