Allow me to share some perhaps unwanted views from our stop at Bass Pro Shop last Wednesday. I didn't go in to shop, I only went in for the bathroom. So that's what you're being treated to!
Let the record show that Val makes use of the handicap stall if it is available. Those handrails are a must in hoisting her knees back into standing position. Funny how the handicap stalls are always the farthest from the door!
That's taken from in front of the handicap stall, after I hiked down past the others.
Anyhoo...lately I seem to have found such stalls to be arranged in a less-than-optimal manner. For example, having the toilet right up against the handrail! Almost as if the handicap stall was put in as an afterthought, building the partition around an existing toilet.
This may not look too close, but I assure you, as I sat on the throne, my shoulder was rammed against that handrail, and my elbow knocked the partition. It's not like there wasn't room to have that toilet a more comfy distance from the partition and the handrail.
The stall was roomy enough in itself. Palatial, actually! With a private sink. I took this picture standing beside the toilet. Not even up against the partition, in front of it. Lots of room! Room for a wheelchair rodeo!
Anyhoo, it was a nice restroom, very clean, and in good repair. If you're ever in the neighborhood, it's worth a stop to use the bathroom.
Do handrails need to be that close for wheelchair entry? I hope I never find out.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for that. This seems to be something I've noticed recently. Maybe there are new regulations for dimensions?
DeleteI WISH there were regulations about putting that giant toilet paper holder where it sticks out right in your face! This one was JUST RIGHT, despite the angle of the picture making it seem in the way. The one in our faculty restroom at school was quite annoying.
Room for a wheelchair rodeo is exactly why the toilet is way over to one side. The space is for the wheelchair to maneuver. It does look like a very nice bathroom, I like the colours.
ReplyDeleteI understand it being to one side. I don't think four more inches between the rail and the toilet would impede the wheelchair rodeo. The casinos have a good balance of space in their handicap stalls! As well as stalls of normal size, with rails on each side, which are even better for ME.
DeleteI found the decor quite pleasant!
Four more inches could make the difference between safety for a disabled person and slipping sideways a bit off the toilet and getting a leg jammed in that space.
DeleteWell, I certainly hope they're staying out of those handicap stalls that have more wall space and less wheelchair space! Even if it means a detour to the Bass Pro Shop restrooms. That can be their go-to pit stop!
DeleteWhen Ashley was three, I took her to the Fox Theatre. She was so impressed with the bathroom stalls and yelled, "Oh Nana, look at these little lunch tables in the bathroom." They were decorative shelves.
ReplyDeleteHeh, heh! She could have said something more embarrassing, I suppose...
DeleteI've been to the Fox several times, but not to the bathroom. I guess that says how long it's been! That I don't have to go every two hours! Last time was probably to see Kathy Griffin.
There are requirements about the hand rails, we found that out when we bought a store in Minnesota to house our pager repair shop. Because the old business sold jeans and we were not selling jeans we had to comply with the laws requiring us to be handicap accessible and put in a new bathroom. Took two tries to get it approved. The first try had that rail 2" from where they wanted it to be. The contractor had put it there because there was a stud in the wall to secure it. Had to rebuild the entire wall!
ReplyDeleteGood to know! Now I wonder if Bass Pro Shop was breaking the rules, or the other handicap toilet stalls were breaking them. Like the highway rest areas, or casinos. You'd think enforcement would be more uniform! Or maybe under-the-table payoffs play a role...
DeleteIt's not like you would have a lot of pull in a small business, if you were inclined to try and break the rules.