As a parent of a child with autism and intellectual disabilities, I understand how overwhelming and distressing the experience of using public toilets can be. My child, who is eight years old, often faces traumatic experiences whenever we enter a public restroom due to the loud noises from the hand dryers. This is already an overwhelming space for him without the added stress of excessive noise, which can trigger severe meltdowns.

Recently, I discovered a hand dryer that produces little to no sound, and it was a transformative experience for both me and my child. For the first time, he used a public restroom hand dryer without having to cover his ears or rush out to escape the noise. This experience demonstrated that quieter, autism-friendly solutions are not only possible but essential.

Many other individuals with autism, as well as their families, face similar challenges. Loud and noisy restroom environments can create significant barriers for them, making basic tasks unnecessarily difficult. These experiences can be overwhelming, distressing, and exclusionary.

The implementation of quieter hand dryers can significantly improve accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces, not just for those with autism but for everyone who prefers a calmer environment. Additionally, shop owners and facility managers can invest in these quieter models, as they offer a more welcoming atmosphere that benefits all users.

Join me in urging public and private facilities to invest in quieter, autism-friendly hand dryers. Let's make public restrooms a more accessible environment for individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Please sign this petition to help bring about this much-needed change.