In 2008 I gradually lost my mobility over several months due to the myelin sheath on my spinal cord being attacked by "something". It may have been a virus or a bacteria. There were different medical opinions but the one that seems closest to my condition is Transverse Myelitis. This has left me a T7 incomplete paraplegic unlikely to walk unassisted again. This condition introduced me to a whole new world - the world of the disabled and the obstacles that are often put in our way. However, I am very grateful to be living at this time in this country with the support and love of all those around me. I have a number of interests and last year I ventured back to Europe for the first time since this happened to me. So I have a very good life generally.
As a wheelchair user, I now have to use disabled public toilets when out and about. I am fortunate with my condition that my bladder and bowel function is probably about 90% normal and I don't need to use a catheter. I can stand transfer from my chair to the toilet seat. So I am fortunate in that regard. All of us are different and therefore have different requirements when it comes to using disabled public toilets, so I will of course be writing from my personal perspective. A few years ago, I began taking photos of the disabled public toilets I've encountered and then wondered what to do with them. Write an article perhaps? There are so many varieties. There is no consistency, despite a building standard. Then after my trip to Europe last August, I wrote a Blog about that holiday. I included in the posts some stories about the disabled facilities. Then I thought, why not write a Blog about the disabled public toilets I've known. So this is it. Any comments or stories about your own experiences are very welcome.
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