Let's talk about accessible bathrooms

     OK, so this post started out as a joke that wasn't really supposed to happen but some other perspectives on this issue got me thinking.
When I traveled to Europe, I knew that there would be many accessibility challenges due to old buildings and various architectural structures on the streets throughout different places. But London did have one difference which proved to be quite useful, albeit quite interesting as well–accessible bathrooms.
      That is not to say that we don't have them here, because we do.  But there are a few differences that I would like to try to illustrate.
     The UK has something called the National Key Scheme and the RADAR Key. This is a national program that creates  standards for separate accessible bathrooms that are cleaned and locked and can only be opened by people who have this key, or business managers if they have one. Most of the facilities are very nice and have standard features different from what we would see here in the US. For example, most toilets have at least one armrest that folds down on the side, in addition to a railing. There is also a separate, lower sink and an emergency cord to pull if you need help. These facilities, while not available everywhere, ensure access to a variety of people for a one time fee. Another difference is that, at least in the UK, or other places throughout Europe, the disabled toilet is separated from the men's and women's toilet, similar to how we might have a family restroom here, eliminating the need for stalls or small spaces.
      This compact design  can also create some issues, though. For a person like myself, who may need extra room to stand up, or for a person to help them, the lowered sink on the wall always hit me in the knees, and the railing was not usually at the right angle to be of any assistance. So, it got me thinking about how different people's needs can really clash. At home and in the community, I would usually use a larger chair, which could be accommodated by this space, but could not usually fit in the appropriate place at home. What about folks whose mobility devices were higher or lower, or needed more space for a lift of some kind.  Areas with a  larger space may be harder to access for people who need everything to be within arms reach. What about people who require open concept? Or need tactile identifiers? These are still often things that are not readily available. A friend of mine got me thinking about this and I read an article about Australia (and now the UK)  having a similar program. Then, I had to explain why this environment would be confusing for me, while it might work for her.  You can find the article here. More information about the NKS and what it looks like can also be found here.

 What does everyone think?  Why don't we have a similar distinction in the US?  Feel free to leave a comment about some of your experiences!

(Image description: A close up shot of a Radar toilet in Hyde Park, London. The back of the tank is visible as well as an adaptive flush handle with a round platform so I can flush with my elbow. A part of a black grab bar is also visible to the right, raised to be flush with the wall. )