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  • -11 score
    17 voters

    radar key locks for all disabled toilets

    Submitted 5 months ago by Sonja Brown
    Current
    • societies
    • Wellbeing
    • Education
    • Accessibility
    • Representation
    6comments
    Currently, at Kedleston Rd, the limited amount of accessible toilets are being abused by non-disabled students to make phone calls or get changed in because they don't have radar key access, plus the toilet is a lot higher than the generic toilets especially if a student has limited mobility this becomes an issue, its unfair that a disabled student/staff member has to wait to use the accessible toilet because of inconsiderate students due to the "culture" of student life. Consult Disability Act
David Mulgrew
11:17am on 24 Mar 25 I am a disabled student, I don't like carrying a radar key because its chunky and annoying to carry.
Darren Cassidy
9:09pm on 3 Apr 25 Could we possibly use a card reader to enter disabled toilet. eg student id reader? Which gives the access to the toilets. I realise this now has -7 currently. Just another idea.
Logan Thomas
4:33pm on 3 May 25 Whilst I recognize there are issues with access to disabled toilets, brain fog from my condition makes me forgetful and I often forget to bring my radar key with me to places. I also sometimes struggle to operate the key whilst using my crutches as I rely on them for balance. I understand keys could be left at reception etc. but many anxious students, or individuals who struggle with communication may be unable to ask for this. Furthermore, waiting to ask for the key takes time that is not necessarily available for those with urgency issues. There are issues with bathroom availability but I fear making these bathrooms less available for non-disabled students will also restrict access for many disabled students. It is difficult to ascertain who is in need of these bathrooms, the use of mobility aids is visible, but many invisible disabilities may also cause access needs. You often can't tell if someone has a stoma, needs a sterile environment to use a catheter or needs a calmer environment due to differences in sensory processing.
Sean Franco
7:49pm on 13 May 25 I'm a disabled student and I don't have a radar key, how would I then use these toilets?
Rhian Finch
5:18pm on 26 May 25 Whatever you think, radar keys would make accessible toilets LESS accessible...
Sonja Brown
3:10pm on 10 Jun 25 I have suggested that a radar key be available at the main reception in the library and at basecamp. It could be scanned like library books, and if not returned, a charge could be implemented. This option would be particularly useful for those who find carrying a full-sized key too cumbersome. The key could potentially be attached to a student card or lanyard. Another option might be to use a barcode system, similar to how students tap in for lectures or use the printers in the library. Radar keys are available free of charge with evidence from the Council House. However, this information is not always provided by council staff, and I only discovered that I was entitled to a radar key and a blue badge through a friend who is disabled.
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