# Am I an asshole for using the handicap stall at my work if nobody who's handicapped actually works here? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 20, 2022, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800 "2022-05-20T21:21:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Didi44](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47c2d/32.png) [@Didi44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Didi44)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/41 "2022-05-21T07:29:14Z")
Rereading the OP’s post, I see the question is about a toilet stall, not a parking stall. So my apology for assuming otherwise. Still a jerk for assuming to know who is disabled only by sight. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/42 "2022-05-21T07:54:29Z")
> [@Didi44](#): > > Yes, you are an A-hole for using the parking stall. > [@Didi44](#): > > I have no issue with using the disabled toilet stall. > [@Didi44](#): > > Rereading the OP’s post, I see the question is about a toilet stall, not a parking stall. So my apology for assuming otherwise. Ok. But then straight back with the outrage… > [@Didi44](#): > > Still a jerk for assuming to know who is disabled only by sight. When you had just said > [@Didi44](#): > > …if someone behind me was **in a wheelchair or visibly mobility disabled** , I’d wait for a regular stall. Maybe back off from the hostility until you get your thoughts better organized?🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Asuka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/43 "2022-05-21T08:13:47Z")
Am I an asshole for assuming that since I work at a warehouse job where heavy lifting and moving while carrying heavy loads is required there’s not going to be a lot of people with limps, bad backs, and arm braces? ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/44 "2022-05-21T13:05:20Z")
No it is not outdated to have dedicated restrooms that separate the sexes. I find it to be a good idea to offer unisex or family restrooms in addition to separate facilities. But it is not outdated. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/45 "2022-05-21T13:54:35Z")
> [@Asuka](#): > > Am I an asshole for assuming that since I work at a warehouse job where heavy lifting and moving while carrying heavy loads is required there’s not going to be a lot of people with limps, bad backs, and arm braces? There are disabilities that might require someone to use the handicapped stall without preventing them from carrying heavy objects. Someone might have a colonostomy, and need the extra space of the handicapped stall to deal with their bag, for instance. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/46 "2022-05-21T14:03:07Z")
Which post? The OP’s? Cause I wouldn’t ask. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/47 "2022-05-21T14:29:04Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > > [@Riemann](#): > > > > At worst someone in a wheelchair might need to wait for one person to vacate. > > And then to leave the stall. This made me laugh. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/48 "2022-05-21T14:33:02Z")
> [@Didi44](#): > > Rereading the OP’s post, I see the question is about a toilet stall, not a parking stall. Wtf is a “parking stall”? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2022, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/49 "2022-05-21T14:35:48Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > Wtf is a “parking stall” ? Is another name for a parking space. > **[Parking space or parking stall Definition | Law Insider](https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/parking-space-or-parking-stall)** > > Sample Contracts and Business Agreements ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2022, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/50 "2022-05-23T00:47:58Z")
The bathroom closest to my cube is for staff and therefore has one urinal and one stall. Therefore, the only stall is ADA compliant. No one on staff needs the ADA stall but it’s still understood that we would all be using that stall even if there was since it’s the only stall in the staff area. The public area also has a mens room but with two stalls, one ADA and one regular. I prefer the regular because the ADA stall makes me feel agoraphobic. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2022, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/51 "2022-05-23T05:44:58Z")
You’re absolutely _not_ a jerk, OP. While it’s true that not everyone who needs the handicapped stall has an obvious impairment, it’s also true that someone with an impairment who needs the stall may have to wait while someone _else_ with an impairment is using that stall, and _neither_ impairment may be obvious. In other words, it’s nobody’s business whether you have a physical handicap or not, including your judgmental coworker. As long as you’re considerate of anyone else (like a guest) who might need a handicapped-accessible stall for any reason, you needn’t feel guilty. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/52 "2022-05-24T00:25:05Z")
I use them, though a lot of the time there is no choice. My warehouse job is not good at having easily accessible restroom stalls that are working and open at any given time. I use the one in the ablution room, too. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/53 "2022-05-24T01:12:02Z")
> [@nelliebly](#): > > someone with an impairment who needs the stall may have to wait while someone _else_ with an impairment is using that stall, and _neither_ impairment may be obvious. Good point. (So now I realize I can use the accessible stall and get away with it…) ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/54 "2022-05-24T06:58:07Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > (So now I realize I can use the accessible stall and get away with it…) I promise to not wack you with my cane. Unless you don’t wash your hands. You might get wacked then, but it would be your own fault. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/55 "2022-05-24T14:39:23Z")
> [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](#): > > I use the one in the ablution room, too. I had to google that. Where do you work where they have an ablution room? ---
**Author:** ![zimaane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a3d4f5/32.png) [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/56 "2022-05-24T16:42:39Z")
Me too 😀 ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/57 "2022-05-30T21:06:18Z")
> [@Asuka](#): > > Am I an asshole for assuming that since I work at a warehouse job where heavy lifting and moving while carrying heavy loads is required there’s not going to be a lot of people with limps, bad backs, and arm braces? Honestly, no. There are lots of other disabilities that can mean someone needs the disabled loo, but if your job rules out a lot of them, the odds do get much lower. You won’t know, obviously, due to colostomy bags etc. But the way to deal with that is to basically get in and out quickly so that if anyone were outside waiting, they wouldn’t have to wait long, and if you’re approaching and see someone else approaching the same loo, you give way. Unless it’s someone you know very well, you don’t know their disabilities or lack of them, but you do know your own. I’ve sometimes let someone else go ahead of me in the disabled queue, and I’m disabled. Standing hurts, but a person in a wheelchair has fewer options than me and might have a discreet and overflowing bag of piss, so I’ll at least offer to wait. They don’t always say yes - sometimes they’re happy to let me go first because they also appreciate that standing is painful for me, and I was there first (you can see my disabilities when I’m standing - disabled people can, anyway). Nice, normal human interaction. Basically sort of talking to people, but without actually asking about disability in any direct way. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2022, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/58 "2022-05-30T21:08:50Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Where do you work where they have an ablution room? The only place I’ve heard the term in common use is South Africa. I would have known what ablutions meant (British), but I can’t remember ever using the word. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/59 "2022-05-31T09:32:13Z")
Major well known ecommerce giant with many locations, this one is in Middle America. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2022, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800/60 "2022-05-31T13:33:12Z")
Although the phrase is not common, I have heard it used in the US. But it always refers to a space set up for Muslims to perform ritual cleansing before prayer. Is that what you are talking about or are you referring to an ordinary restroom? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-asshole-for-using-the-handicap-stall-at-my-work-if-nobody-whos-handicapped-actually-works-here/964800.md?page=4)