> 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.

VA law trumps ADA?  You mean "accessible" or "available?"

S.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Betty Alfred" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2000 7:12 PM
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
> >
> >
>