Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Bathrooms (self.Blind)
submitted by Humanchick
hi! Thank you for the assistance :-) I think I have the info I need now.
BenandGracie 2 points 2y ago
Totally blind guy here, and I navigate bathrooms on my own all the time. The thing that I do is keep my cane in front of me and use the top to find the sinks. The one thing my mom used to do when I was younger, was to peak in the bathroom door as I stepped in and tell me what side of the room the stalls were on. She would say something like stalls on the right sinks on the left. This just gave me an idea where to start.
The only bathrooms I have trouble with are the large ones at rest areas and sporting events.
The only bathrooms I have trouble with are the large ones at rest areas and sporting events.
CloudyBeep 2 points 2y ago
How good are his orientation and mobility skills? Bathrooms can be difficult to navigate because they are all laid out slightly differently, but there's nothing he shouldn't be able to work out for himself if he tries.
Humanchick [OP] 2 points 2y ago
I would say they’re very good. I have nothing to compare it to but he has been blind for almost 2 decades. I think part of the issue is that he has had to exit to ask me repeatedly about certain things. At first I was tapping things like the sink and soap and saying “the sink is here and the soap is on the wall to the left” then tapping it with my nails. But maybe I should lead him to one spot and then the other and back? I guess it all works out as long as he goes where he needs to. But I find it hard to put myself in his shoes and think of what I could do to improve
CloudyBeep 4 points 2y ago
If his skills are as good as you say, I think you need to work out why he can't—or won't—orient himself to the bathroom. This might involve one lesson with an O&M specialist where they teach him specific techniques for orienting to this environment. You shouldn't need to enter a restroom for the opposite sex.
Humanchick [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Well we were at a camp site and I figured he’d want to use the urinal. We were With a handful of people on many acres of land. So I made the discussion to use the men’s after being in the women’s and finding it gross. I don’t know what an OAnd M is but In hindsight, taking him into the women’s would have been better because at least I could have felt like I could stand there with him. I don’t know if he has access to classes. I’ll have to ask him.
bjayernaeiy 1 points 2y ago
O&M stands for Orientation and Mobility. He should take those kinds of classes if he hasn't yet.
CloudyBeep 1 points 2y ago
An Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
BluesJeanne 2 points 2y ago
My husband has always used the bathroom his guide uses— women’s with me, men’s with a male friend. I make sure he knows where the toilet & toilet paper are. He figures out the rest.
I would be awkward in a men’s washroom as I can see so I think other men might not like that. Women are fine when they see his cane. Definitely not like he’s sneaking a peek.
I would be awkward in a men’s washroom as I can see so I think other men might not like that. Women are fine when they see his cane. Definitely not like he’s sneaking a peek.
Humanchick [OP] 1 points 2y ago
To be fair though we’ve really only used a non co-ED bathroom once. But I still felt weird. Like, I needed to get out ASAP.
But being on my own turf would have made it way easier during that one time. I will have to suggest this next time it comes up.
But being on my own turf would have made it way easier during that one time. I will have to suggest this next time it comes up.
Humanchick [OP] 1 points 2y ago
This is an excellent point
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
BluesJeanne 1 points 2y ago
It doesn’t matter the direction you describe in, as long as he understands where things are. Toilet in front, paper to the left. Or vice versa. Whatever way you find is easiest & works, go for it. He can always tell you if there’s a misunderstanding.
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