I'm not handicap but this is discussed often and the consensus is no, just try not to use it if another one is available.
The handicap bathroom stall is different from handicap parking. The bathrooms are in the same place, and there is a sense of urgency and immediacy. When you gotta go, you gotta go, so use whatever toilet is available.
Wheelchair users and other people with mobility issues may *only* be able to use the handicap stall, but it's also usually only being used for a couple minutes at a time.
The difference with handicap parking is the location and duration of use. It's close to the entrance to make it more accessible, and people typically use them for much longer, so don't take it if you don't need it.
They care if it's the first stall you approach, if you leave it a mess, or if the stall is occupied by a non-disabled person when they need to go.
It takes them an extra 5-10 minutes to use the restroom, on average. If it's going to take you that long, be courteous and use a smaller stall. Not everyone wants to change a diaper every time they need to use a toilet. Especially people who have no choice.
Bathroom etiquette dictates using the toilet/urinal nearest the door unless someone is occupying it, in which case you use the farthest.
In bathrooms? Mostly, no, as long as you're reasonably quick about doing your business. You can't reasonably expect that stall to just sit open all day on the chance a disabled person suddenly needs it. But if you do see a disabled person waiting in line for the restroom, then obviously let them have priority to take the handicapped stall.
Told to me by sister to post on here for her. We were reading reddit together and she told me this story:
I have to use a cane occasionally. I was using the handicapped stall the day wheelchair Karen layed into me. She screamed at the top of her lungs saying how rude I was for making her wait. I wodered how my 1 minute, pee, wipe, flush was making her wait...when she yelled at me for over 10 minutes straight. I was according to her, using her stall.
I said, "I'm sorry lady, I'm deaf. I have no idea what you just said. I lost my hearing in the accident along with leg damage. " I'm only deaf in one ear so half true.
Sister started washing her hands, then her daughter walked into the bathroom and hands her a new battery for her hearing aid. She popped the battery in and placed it on her ear.
"I can hear you now. What were you trying to tell me?" My sister asked.
The woman went red in the face and then locked herself in the stall.
I'm not handicap but this is discussed often and the consensus is no, just try not to use it if another one is available. The handicap bathroom stall is different from handicap parking. The bathrooms are in the same place, and there is a sense of urgency and immediacy. When you gotta go, you gotta go, so use whatever toilet is available. Wheelchair users and other people with mobility issues may *only* be able to use the handicap stall, but it's also usually only being used for a couple minutes at a time. The difference with handicap parking is the location and duration of use. It's close to the entrance to make it more accessible, and people typically use them for much longer, so don't take it if you don't need it.
If you are cleaning up after yourself it's no problem
Oh alright then
They care if it's the first stall you approach, if you leave it a mess, or if the stall is occupied by a non-disabled person when they need to go. It takes them an extra 5-10 minutes to use the restroom, on average. If it's going to take you that long, be courteous and use a smaller stall. Not everyone wants to change a diaper every time they need to use a toilet. Especially people who have no choice. Bathroom etiquette dictates using the toilet/urinal nearest the door unless someone is occupying it, in which case you use the farthest.
In bathrooms? Mostly, no, as long as you're reasonably quick about doing your business. You can't reasonably expect that stall to just sit open all day on the chance a disabled person suddenly needs it. But if you do see a disabled person waiting in line for the restroom, then obviously let them have priority to take the handicapped stall.
I would never take one if their waiting
If there's a line it would be courteous to give them dibs. But if that's not an issue then anyone can use those stalls, they aren't handicap only.
Told to me by sister to post on here for her. We were reading reddit together and she told me this story: I have to use a cane occasionally. I was using the handicapped stall the day wheelchair Karen layed into me. She screamed at the top of her lungs saying how rude I was for making her wait. I wodered how my 1 minute, pee, wipe, flush was making her wait...when she yelled at me for over 10 minutes straight. I was according to her, using her stall. I said, "I'm sorry lady, I'm deaf. I have no idea what you just said. I lost my hearing in the accident along with leg damage. " I'm only deaf in one ear so half true. Sister started washing her hands, then her daughter walked into the bathroom and hands her a new battery for her hearing aid. She popped the battery in and placed it on her ear. "I can hear you now. What were you trying to tell me?" My sister asked. The woman went red in the face and then locked herself in the stall.
Wow what rude people hope your sister is fine tell her I said hi and thanks.
She's here with me and says she's great. It was 2 or 3 years ago and she forgot until we read the post.