When was the last time you asked if you could go to the toilet?

Probably, like many people, it was at school when you said to the teacher, "please, Sir, can I go to the toilet?".

Well, for me, it was earlier this week. I was at the Metro Centre in Gateshead and went to the toilets in the Red Quadrant near Debenhams. I've been to the Metro Centre several times in the past and encountered accessible toilets with RADAR keys and more recently Push Pads.

On this occasion, there was neither. But there was an intercom system where I had to ask control if I could use the loo!

I found the communication quite embarrassing and another example of how organisations don't appreciate what it is like having a disability.

OK, so we need a differently designed toilet so that a wheelchair can get in, but we would like some dignity to be able to use the facility without fuss.

Perhaps, I wouldn't have minded too much had the toilet inside been top notch, but alas I was disappointed. There was a large sanitary bin in the transfer area, a short emergency cord in the corner (no use whatsoever if you fall on the floor while transferring) and worst of all, no drier or towels next to the wash basin. No, they were on top of the cistern, still in a sealed packet, out of reach for me for me and probably anyone else in a wheelchair.

I hope you are embarrassed, Metro Centre Management, and will talk to some people with disabilities to find out what they'd like.

Personally, I've always found RADAR locks to be fine, particularly the new ones with the lift handle that actually locks, and I always carry my own RADAR key.

Perhaps, you are perfectly happy to ask control to open the door over an intercom system. If so, leave a comment and let's open a debate.

I've just come across a new campaign which I fully support called Stand Up for Wheels http://www.standup4wheels.co.uk.

The campaign was launched on 2nd April 2010, Autism Awareness Day, by Tracy Shave, who shares my own passion to make the World a better place for disabled people.   more »

On 3rd International Wheelchair Day, awareness of accessibility or lack of it, is increasing and wheelchair users and others with specifc access needs can share their experiences on a new website   more »

Customer Information on Nexus buses advise passengers of obligation to comply with DDA to carry a passenger in a wheelchair.   more »

Maplin Electronics in Newcastle have made great reasonable adjustments to enable disabled customers to access their store   more »

Our Toastmasters Club, A1 Speakers, achieved "chartered status" last night when we signed up our 20th member and I also won Best Speaker prize for my speech, "A Little Blue Car".   more »

Disabled people enjoy a drink. The only issue we have is that the pubs and clubs we go to have to be suitably accessible, including the provision of an accessible toilet that is not being used as a store room.   more »

What is a "reasonable adjustment". The word "reasonable" is so subjective that it causes major confusion as each and everyone of us applies our own interpretation.   more »

Every day disabled people encounter situations that could be considered a breach of the law, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act. There is a dilemma - to claim or not to claim discrimination.   more »

Over the years, I have seen and photgraphed some dreadful examples of unsuitable accessible toilets. but I thought I'd celebrate today by sharing some photographs depicting an excellent example of best practice.   more »

A month from now, it will be the fifth anniversary of when every business should have made reasonable adjustments to make their premises and services accessible for people with disabilities. So, why haven't they done so?   more »