Navigating Public Restrooms: A Call to Improve Accessibility for Parents and Caregivers
by Eddie Lomash, PhD
As a first-time father, I’m having a lot of new experiences. “Public blowout up the back” while dining out was not one I was prepared for. It was worse than you probably imagined, but at least I remembered the diaper bag! As I headed to the bathroom I thought, “Alright, new dad on a mission!” I opened the men’s bathroom door to see three urinals, two stalls, and a two-station sink. No changing table. “Seriously,” I thought, trying to work through my irritation. “I could change her on the sink (gross), change her on the floor (worse), or track down an employee.” A mother with a young child saw the look on my face after rushing in and out of the men’s room and offered to “stand watch” so I could use the women’s room. I am touched by this kind of “knowing support” from strangers. However, I’m also frustrated with the lack of access to basic, clean facilities. I am fortunate that I can change my child in my car if I absolutely have to, but what if I was parked too far away? What if it wasn’t an infant, but a disabled adult woman in my life? What if it was a woman who cared for an adult disabled son or husband? When both parties can’t safely and easily use a changing table or accessible bathroom, it poses a major problem. I know several people who have canceled plans or don’t make them because it’s too much of a hassle. It feels profoundly unfair and it doesn’t have to be this way. To help increase bathroom and changing table accessibility, we created a Google Form and a Google Sheet to collect and share information about local
establishments. These resources will identify which local businesses provide changing tables in all gender, family, and men’s restrooms, as well as other accessibility notes. Here’s how you can help: Provide input! Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just a community member, we invite you to submit details about new establishments through our Google Form. Please share the following information: » Identify Locations: Provide the name and address of the establishment. » Restroom Types: Specify whether the restroom is a men’s, women’s, all-gender, or family restroom. » Changing Table Availability: Note if there is a changing table present. » Accessibility: Indicate if the restroom is accessible for individuals with disabilities. » Additional Features: Mention other amenities, such as sanitizer dispensers, kids' menus, or stroller-friendly spaces. Just like the mom who kept watch so I didn’t have to “figure it out,” our community can gather what we know to help people find accessible restrooms. Thanks from this “Annapolis Moms” dad!
FALL 2024 | 25
Powered by FlippingBook