No Mans Land in the Mens Room
by Brice Carroll
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Brice
Carroll, of Hot Springs, Ark., has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. |
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I was in the courthouse the other day (traffic ticket only, no jail
time) in my electric wheelchair and had to avail myself of the "facilities."
The "handicap stall" toilet was so low, it at first seemed
that the seat itself was bolted to the floor. It might have been about
the right height for munchkins or leprechauns, although regrettably
I am neither.
I had no problem getting from the wheelchair to the toilet seat,
since I was moving from a higher to a lower position. But when I attempted
to return to my wheelchair, I had a problem. The toilet seat was 6
inches lower than my wheelchair seat.
Unfortunately, my butt isnt big enough to bridge that distance.
(I guess Im actually fortunate it isnt that big.) For someone who
had good arm strength, the distance wouldnt have been a problem,
but I dont and it was. I only managed to move myself into a very
uncomfortable "no mans land" position between toilet seat
and wheelchair.
Fortunately, after about 10 minutes, someone came in and helped me
to leave the twilight zone and resume my rightful position. He elevated
me both physically and emotionally.
A Little Less Challenge, Please
Id appreciate it if the courthouse management would raise the handicap
stall toilet seats about 6 inches so others (and possibly me again
if I dont watch my radar detector more closely) wont be left "stranded
at the altar," so to speak.
In addition, Id like to ask those without disabilities to scope
out any handicap stalls when theyre in a restroom, and notify the
management if the stalls or toilets arent very handy (sorry, bad
pun) to either the disabled, the handicapped or, more importantly,
the physically challenged.
Also, please note that the handicap stalls, generally at the back
of the restrooms, are primarily for the handicapped and the painfully
shy (human-interaction challenged).
By the way, Id be glad to act as a highly paid government consultant
to visit all county- and city-owned buildings to determine what other
disability-friendly changes are needed (cash only, no credit). Im
also willing to serve as a highly paid investigative reporting consultant
for this magazine to report on such things in nongovernmental buildings.
And, please note: If you liked this article, please mention to Quests
editors that you recommend they use me as a highly paid columnist.
