I do a lot of home health so, I've had to learn where all the potties are as
my bladder likes to play games and when I have to go, I have to go.  I have
learned not to ask, look like a customer.  Restaurants and such don't have
to let you in there bathrooms, big public groceries are a good one, some gas
stations although smaller ones are usually difficult to get to, fast food
joints are good because you can blend in the crowd and generally McD's is
the best.  Survival skills 101 maybe that's what I can talk about at the
Center for Independant Living.

Beth the OT

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Betty Alfred
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2000 7:12 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ADA question


Hey Dina,

I understand that particular frustration, believe me.  Been there, done
that.

If state law doesn't require that businesses make restrooms accessible for
patrons, then you don't have legal recourse. This is the case in Virginia,
for example, with the exception of restaurants.

The post office may have a regulation prohibiting public access to certain
areas to protect the mail.  I don't know if you meant the post office
specifically, or if you were just mentioning it as an example.

If you've been denied access to a restroom that is legally considered public
access area though, you may have something to work with.

In a message dated 06/01/2000 5:19:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Hi all,
>
>  I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not a business place like a
post
>  office or a bank is in violation of the ADA laws by refusing entrance to
the
>  restrooms for a disabled person?
>
>  Here's a common scenario: I have gone into a bank or a post office and I
> have
>  asked if I can use the restroom since I NEEDED to use one ASAP or risk
the
>  chances of an accident. I have been refused because "they don't have a
>  bathroom on the premises," but that I should be able to go the restaurant
or
>  whatever other store nearby instead. I have told them that my bladder is
>  close to bursting. Usually this happens when I have had a long drive, and
>  have drunk enough water for my bladder to need to go URGENTLY ASAP. I am
at
>  these places because of business purposes, not as a convenient place to
stop
>  and ask.
>
>  If I could do that without any problem, I wouldn't be asking them for
their
>  "exclusive bathroom."  Have any of you encountered this and what do you
do
>  about this? Is there a definite way to find out if they are in violation
or
>  not?
>
>  Thanks,
>
>  Dina
>
>