<div style="font-size:10pt;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;color:black;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">I think this works for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">the visually impaired and people with normal
vision.</font><font size="3"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">Most non-visually impaiared people
probably<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">have not thought of closing
their eyes and trying to use a strange rest room. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">I’ll bet that, after having read this
article, they might<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">experiment with the
task. Whether they do or not, the piece works to increase awareness</font><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><font size="3"> </font></span><font size="3">and maybe stimulate some changes in bathroom
design and layout. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">For those whose visual losses are varied,
, they might gain an awareness of how much they use their remaining sight in
such circumstances. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">I recommend<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">that anyone who works with the visually
handicapped be required to try using a bathroom blindfolded.</font><font size="3"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">There is a droll quality to this piece
despite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">a serious</font><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><font size="3"> </font></span><font size="3">theme.</font><font size="3"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">For those of us who share<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">some of the problems described, the piece
gives a sense of being comrades-in-arms.</font><font size="3"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">I like the title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">It seems to suggest to the readers that someone
ought to actually design</font><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><font size="3"> </font></span><font size="3">accessible
bathrooms.</font><font size="3"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">At the same time, it is saying that what
is described is a bathroom for the blind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></font><font size="3">You clearly are telling a joke at your expense.</font><font size="3"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">Your guide dog is a nice touch as an
observer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></font><font size="3">watching</font><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><font size="3"> </font></span><font size="3">a slapstick comedy routine. Nice job. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></u></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></o:p></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Bathrooms
for the Blind<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Marcia
J. Wick, The Write Sisters<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">April
2019<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Word
Count: 767<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">The
high-pitched screeching, screaming sound track from the bathroom scene in
the Hitchcock thriller “Psycho” Plays in the back of my brain as my guide dog
and I, with fear and trepidation, enter an unfamiliar public restroom.
Since going blind, I approach bathrooms at airports, restaurants, or shopping
malls hoping to escape alive. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Architects
and designers fail to consider using standard materials or logical floor plans
to clue a person with low vision in on where to find the toilet, sink, hand
towels, or garbage bin. With the help of my guide dog, I can zig and zag
through the entryway, although we then have a 50/50 chance of finding the
toilets on the right and the sinks on the left, or vice versa. Once in the
right aisle, we often finds the larger compartment for persons with
disabilities at the end of the row, although on occasion we hit the probervial
brick wall, having passed the accessible stall first on the way in. Fellow
restroom visitors typically come to our rescue as we hunt for the correct
stall. Once found, my guide dog and I dance the two-step around our
overly-helpful bathroom volunteer while fumbling for the handle to determine if
the door swings in or out. Think of the possibilities!<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Safe
inside the cubicle, I secure the lock - once I figure out whether it is a slide
bolt, a rotating knob, or a hook and eye apparatus. I fish around for the coat
hook (if there is one) on which to hang my backpack to avoid parking my
belongings on the “iffy” clean and dry floor. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Once
ensconced on the throne, I begin to search for toilet paper, praying I don’t
touch unseen surprises along the way – the sanitary product receptacle, for
one. Toilet paper dispensers may be mounted to the left or right, high or low;
Machines may (or may not) hold up to four rolls, if they’ve been replenished.
(Note: Always carry a personal tissue pack in case of emergencies.)<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">If a
spare roll of toilet paper is precariously balanced atop the dispenser, I
inevitably will knock the roll to the floor and listen with chagrin while it
unravels under the door out into the main area of the lavatory. As I lift my
hips to wipe, I may be surprised when the automatic flush mechanism responds
prematurely prompting me to spring up to avoid the aggressive action and likely
overspray; or, I may be forced to hunt for the manual mechanism –on the top,
left, or right of the tank, or perhaps find a button or lever mounted on the
wall.<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">I
check my zipper and secure my backpack, becoming self-conscious of the time
it’s taking me to dispense of my duty. My guide dog waits patiently but refuses
to help. It must amuse her, I think, to watch my gyrations inside this box. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">the
screeching in my ears increases in volume as I direct my dog to leave the stall
and turn right, if I remember correctly, to find the sinks. If the facility is
large, like at an international airport, the echo chamber is deafening. Toilets
flush, water whooshes, towel dispensers whir, and hot air dryers churn like the
jet engines on the runway. The cacophony bounces off the cold, ceramic
tile. <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Following
the sound of water falling, I inch forward searching for the nearest sink.
Reaching for a knob or handle without success, I discover the faucet turns on
automatically when my fingers flutter under the nozzle.<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">“The
soap’s to the right,” another helpful bathroom-goer says. I reach up and stab
the back of my hand on the spicket.<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">“I
found it,” I say to no one longer there.<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Now,
what to do about hand-drying? I turn toward the jet propulsion lab on the
opposite wall. The air dryer I bump into refuses to function by motion or
touch, so I double cross the room to the wall flanking the sinks. With luck, I
locate a loaded paper towel dispenser that operates with a simple crank handle
- I can exact precisely the amount I desire. An automatic machine always seems
to crank out too much or too little paper with each motion. By good fortune, I
find the container for used hand towels directly under the towel dispenser! How
often have I navigated the perimeter of a bathroom with my foot to hunt for the
rubbish pail, often tucked diagonally across the way? <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">“Find
the door, outside,” I command my guide dog. Get me out of here, I pray, feeling
lucky to escape the horror chamber alive..<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p class="yiv3862612506msonormal" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font></div>