I have an ileostomy stoma and have personally experienced abuse and verbal attacks for using a disabled toilet that I am legally entitled to use. A stoma, like mine, is classified as a disability. Yet, despite my legitimate need, I’ve been confronted by strangers who feel compelled to judge my appearance rather than focus on understanding the invisible challenges I face daily. I am not alone; there are countless stories from individuals who endure similar disdain simply because they don’t "look" disabled enough.

This misunderstanding and subsequent mistreatment often stems from preconceived notions about what disability looks like. The truth is, many disabilities are invisible, and people living with them must fight prejudice every day. To change this narrative, I urge the authorities to make public restrooms more inclusive by altering the signage on disabled toilets.

The current wheelchair-only symbol does not encompass everyone who may need these facilities. We need signs that reflect hidden disabilities and conditions, such as stomas or diabetes, that require private spaces for care tasks like insulin injections or ostomy maintenance. It could be Someone who cares for someone with dementia,they may need to use the toilet but the person they are caring for cannot be left outside unattended so they need to come into the toilet with them too. There are so many different reasons for someone to use an accessible toilet  The Hidden disability badge on the door  could be for anyone who needs to use it.  NOBODY HAS XRAY VISION. We don’t know the ins and outs of someone’s life.

A small step like this would significantly reduce the stress and societal pressure faced by so many individuals. They may have taken weeks to pluck up the courage to venture out that day and someone being rude or anything can ruin their day and set them back again to not want to mix with society for weeks on end. 

Moreover, adding stoma-friendly stickers on all disabled toilet doors and including simple additions like a small shelf for supplies could make these spaces more accommodating. These changes will help create a friendlier, more understanding public environment.

By signing this petition, you will be supporting a much-needed shift towards inclusion and empathy in public spaces. It is crucial that everyone—regardless of their visible or invisible disabilities—feels supported and respected in our communities. Please join me in demanding better facilities that cater to everyone's needs by endorsing this petition today.