Initial Washroom Hygiene has launched six new door signs to increase awareness on the wide range of disabilities and conditions accessible washrooms should accommodate.
The initiative follows the findings of a survey commissioned from Mortar Research which reports a quarter of people with hidden disabilities in the UK have been challenged when attempting to use accessible washrooms, with many being told they do not look ‘disabled enough’.
Worryingly, the findings also confirm this is a regular occurrence, with seven in ten respondents saying it happens at least once a month.
Over a third of all people with disabilities also confirmed experiencing negative reactions or been scrutinised by other members of the public when trying to use these essential facilities.
Amongst them, the most common challenges they faced from other members of the public include disapproving stares (69%), verbal challenges regarding their right to use the space (46%), with 49% even being told they ‘don’t look disabled’ .
This has a strong impact on many people with hidden disabilities that need to use accessible washrooms, leaving them feeling stressed (45%), upset (45%), and frustrated (41%).
A lack of understanding appears to be to blame, with accessible washrooms often assumed to be only for those with visible mobility challenges, which might largely be due to the use of the wheelchair symbol on signage.
Indeed half of people with disabilities (53%) feel that accessible washrooms need better signage to communicate that they are for people with all types of disability.
A fifth of the respondents feel that the public are unaware of the various reasons someone might need to use an accessible washroom.
However, many people with invisible conditions such as, chronic pain, autism, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, or those living with stoma bags will often need to use an accessible washroom.
Additionally, over a quarter of respondents said they were dissatisfied with the accessible washrooms they use.
It’s crucial that public spaces and businesses adopt clearer signage to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make sure that all individuals, regardless of the visibility of their disability or long-term health condition can access the facilities they need without fear of judgement or discomfort.
Key issues include the absence of soap (60%), lack of waste bins (68%), no alarm cords (40%), limited waste disposal options (36%), and vending machines that are out of reach (38%) or difficult to use (23%).
More than half of respondents (63%) also believe accessible washrooms don't adequately cater to all needs, with mental health issues (32%), mobility impairments (28%), visual impairments (21%), hearing impairments (21%), and incontinence (21%) commonly cited as being overlooked.
While emotional struggles are a significant part of the experience, the practical challenges are equally troubling.
Over half of disabled Brits (54%) often encounter locked accessible washrooms, forcing them to ask for a key, while almost three quarters (72%) have struggled to find an accessible washroom and 70% have avoided certain locations due to uncertainty about available facilities.
In light of these findings, Initial Washroom Hygiene is calling on businesses, public spaces, and policymakers to take action to better accommodate individuals with hidden disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical & Innovations Manager at Initial Washroom Hygiene, comments: “All too often, individuals with hidden disabilities are made to feel unwelcome or scrutinised when trying to use accessible washrooms.
Our research highlights a stark reality, that people with invisible conditions, from chronic pain to mental health challenges, rely on these facilities just as much as those with visible mobility issues.
“Everyone deserves a dignified washroom experience, and by introducing more inclusive signage, we can help ensure that accessible washrooms are recognised for what they truly are: spaces for everyone.
It’s crucial that public spaces and businesses adopt clearer signage to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make sure that all individuals, regardless of the visibility of their disability or long-term health condition can access the facilities they need without fear of judgement or discomfort."
By adopting more inclusive signage, public spaces can send a clear message: accessible washrooms are for everyone, regardless of whether their disability or long-term health condition is visible or not.
