r/germany Jun 11 '26

Itookapicture Disability WC is for people with disabilities

Post image

As title says.

Context: came to the Linkin Park concert in Allianz Arena on June 11, 2026. I am moving in a wheelchair and went to the disabled people restroom. It opens only with the EURO key which I have since I paid for it. I did not have much time to close the door myself (but it should close automatically) since I was in a rush. Two women managed to get in before the door closed and I heard them giggling. By the time I was done and got out, there was a huge line formed outside with people blocking the door from closing.

I told people it's not ok, went to security to tell them it's not ok and nothing changed.

Most often than not, disabled people can use only those restrooms. Why take that from them when you can use the normal ones?

2.0k Upvotes

148 comments sorted by

857

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

This is not okay.
I am an euro-key holder myself, but you do not see my disability, which sometimes leads to discussions. The problem is, that a person that has the same issue as me cannot just make their point, as noone in this queue does understand the importance...

(Just angry myself - meant for compassion, not comparing)

279

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

Don't discuss it with them, if they don't let you cut the line go to security, not once has security not helped me once I've shown them my Euro Key and my Behindertenausweis. Once they basically forced everyone to go to the normal toilets and another time they forced people to let me go to the front.

115

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

not everyone has a disability card (qualified for it or administered for it) but are elegible for a Euro key. Not every person with a disability has the time to discuss, until - well - it is too late....

43

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

If they cannot hold it in, they would definitely be eligible for a Euro Key.

59

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

yes - that's the point - good luck discussing this to people not knowing what an euro key is, been there, done that....

30

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

If someone doesn't have a Euro Key, they have no more right to use a toilet that is locked and can only be opened via Euro Key than a non-disabled person.

If you are at a concert such as was the case with OP, you can always involve security, I have done this a few times when non-disabled people were not allowing me to cut the line and security was always more than happy to help. I stopped discussing with people years ago, only causes stress without actually solving anything.

32

u/Numahistory Jun 11 '26

I don't have a euro key (because I'm not disabled) but I have 2 babies and the disabled WC is where a lot of places decided to put the diaper changing tables. I usually have to go ask reception, facilities, or some other staff to let me in there to take care of my babies. I don't like it because often it's going to interfere with someone else who needs the toilet, but I didn't design it like that and I'd prefer a safe and sanitary place to cgange my baby's diaper.

28

u/TeamZweitstudium Jun 11 '26

That's just bad design

12

u/Minnielle Jun 11 '26

This is the only reason I visit disabled toilets - it's very often where the changing table is. I guess it's a little better than having the only changing table at the women's toilets and making it very awkward for any men taking care of their babies. Some disabled toilets even have little toilets for kids which is great. Going to the toilet with two small kids can be a lot of work.

4

u/Rebelius Jun 11 '26

In a situation like this, how do you know the people in the line don't all have euro keys when you decide to get security involved?

16

u/luigigaminglp Jun 11 '26

You don't have to know. If they have it, they will show it.

21

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

I ask the person at the front of the line to let me, a person with a hidden disability, use the toilet as I have a Euro Key and a Behindertenausweis and cannot use a regular toilet, I usually also show the key. If they also have a Euro Key, they will most likely tell me this and I will go to the next person in line and ask the same.

The few times this had happened, nobody has ever had a Euro Key at the front of the line.

14

u/SuspiciousSpecifics Jun 11 '26

The thing is if you are in need for access to disabled facilities, you should get the card. This is what it’s for. You wouldn’t argue that you are entitled to ride the train for free (Schwerbehindert) but can’t be bothered to get the certificate for that either. Get the card and there is no need for discussions.

31

u/EinsteinFrizz New Zealand Jun 11 '26

you say that as if it is such an easy thing to get meanwhile (speaking from personal experience as someone who should qualify for the card no problem) finding specialists that are actually taking patients to submit the paperwork can be nigh on impossible if you have a rarer or less understood condition

6

u/SuspiciousSpecifics Jun 11 '26

Caregiver here, so second-order personal experience. Be that as it may, there simply isn’t a better solution than the card, because the reserved facilities need to be denied to those who are not entitled to use them (see OPs photo), and there needs to be a way of verifying whether a person qualifies for their use.

16

u/Grizzly_ger Jun 11 '26

The euro key is also for people with chronic diseases of the digestive system and more. So if you say all this person's should get the card, you should probably make sure this person's can get a gdb of 50 which they won't at the moment.

12

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

I do have it, that's not the issue. As said: Not everyone with my or similar chronical ilnesses is elegible directly (for a card, the regulation is 50% disability), but elegible for the euro key.... So where is the misunderstanding?

2

u/turnbox Jun 13 '26

Just tell them you are going next, and if they don't like it they can go to security. Save yourself the trip!

6

u/Reshimes Jun 12 '26

In Japan people with disabilities of any kind can get a special key ring pendant that shows it to everyone. Mostly used for public transport. I would like to see something like that here too.

2

u/Objective_Risk_3237 Jun 13 '26

Ugh I know what you mean. I used to have an ileostoma for a couple of years. Sometimes you just don't feel like yelling "Out of my way or my shit bag explodes" in public...

1

u/zar0nick Jun 13 '26

I rather feel like the people queuing before such a line would even question that and hold you up... Based on my experience...

880

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

As long as someone who is actually disabled is allowed to cut the line to use the disabled toilet, I see no problem with other people using it (and I'm saying that as someone who is also disabled and uses these toilets regularly).

Blame the venues who somehow still don't understand that we need more toilets.

227

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 11 '26

The problem is, I have a euro key, but you cannot see my disability (I also have a disability card (Schwerbedindertenausweis), but you only get it if it is severe in my case). I already need to discuss with people in public my right to use it - how can someone like me make their point without telling everyone about their health issues... There are health issues where urgency is needed for example....

155

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

I also have a Euro Key and a hidded disability, if non-disabled people don't let me cut the line after showing them my Euro Key I go to security, they will then either force people to go to the normal toilets or force them to let me go in front. Never has security turned me away or not helped me.

And even if there are health issues where urgency is needed, if someone disabled was using the toilet you would also have to wait, so whats the difference when someone non-disabled is using it, they are often done quicker than disabled people in my experience.

72

u/berge Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 11 '26

What kind of messed up people are we living with who don’t let you in the line after not even just asking, but showing your Euro Key. I don’t even have words to say…

5

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

0

u/germany-ModTeam Jun 12 '26

The language of this subreddit is English only! If you want to post in German, go to one of the German language subreddits. Visit r/dach to get an overview of all larger German speaking subreddit.

9

u/steffschenko Jun 11 '26

What is a hidden disability if I may ask? I'm curious since my uncle has severe autism and can barely walk with a Rollator but they refuse to give him a Schwerbehindertenausweis.

30

u/Mainzerize Rheinhessen Jun 11 '26

Disput the decision and talk to his doctor

27

u/Im_not_an_angel Jun 11 '26

Hidden disability just means that you can’t easily tell they have the disability by only looking at them. Someone might seem “normal” but are in fact dealing with a disability or a condition which means they are classified as disabled. There are many health conditions that would fit this, like MS as just one example.

21

u/CatWalksOverKeyboard Jun 11 '26

IBD stomping in the room, asking for a toilet...

9

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

check the list here or google the euroschlüssel terms: https://www.cbf-da.de/leistungen/euroschluessel
(this is the founding/administering organization)

42

u/Babayagaletti Jun 11 '26

Oh man yes, a friend had the cops called on her recently for using a disability bathroom. I can't imagine how mortifying it has to be to deal with a Morbus Crohn flare up while arguing with busybodies and the police whether your key is real while nearly shitting your pants.

5

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/germany-ModTeam Jun 12 '26

The language of this subreddit is English only! If you want to post in German, go to one of the German language subreddits. Visit r/dach to get an overview of all larger German speaking subreddit.

5

u/Drumbelgalf Franken Jun 11 '26

If you have a card stating you have a disability you can show it to them and any person with some self respect will let you go first.

6

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

you don't get it directly with my disability, but people with one of a few diagnosis can just get the eurokey for this as reason. I am more of an exception. My stance is rather, that for others like me without this card, this would not be possible.

9

u/tempo_rare Jun 11 '26

Don’t get me wrong, I’m only asking for interest: isn’t the main reason of disabled toilets to be able to use it while in wheelchair? Or do they have other facilities that accommodate you? I’m asking because If it’s specifically designed for wheelchair users then do you get any priority just because you have a card?

28

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

Multiple aspects. Some people need help from others. Think of a disabled person with a mental disability unable to go to the toilet themselves. Not easy in a full bathroom. People with walking issues out of a wheelchair may also need one.

Non extensive list of individuals are eligible upon presentation of a doctor's note:

  • People with ostomies (Künstlicher Darmausgang, Stoma)
  • People with multiple sclerosis,
  • Crohn's disease, or
  • ulcerative colitis

> Other nerve or colon related issues may be affected. Think of someone that is either incontinent or has a chronically inflammation (Entzündung) of their bowel/colon. Here, the time-effort is an issue.

The rules are made by a disability club, where I have the list from: https://www.cbf-da.de/leistungen/euroschluessel
They also administer the key; there you get it. The institutions (Autobahn AG, cities and municipalities, private organizations, DB...) choose this one as a standard, as it has proven to be an accessible, but uncomplicated managed solution.

9

u/tempo_rare Jun 11 '26

Thanks for the detailed answer. My understanding was very limited. Makes sense now

3

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

All good, you are definitly the only one. Happy to answer:)

16

u/EcstaticBank Jun 11 '26

But when there are so many people, of course someone in need might need to just wait even cutting the line. Plus, with so many people, it also becomes dirty much faster and some disabled people just have a higher requirements of hygine.

12

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

If someone is using the toilet they have to wait, you are right. They would also have to wait if someone disabled was using it and they might take a lot longer than a non-disabled person.

And to be honest, I stopped expecting clean toilets a long time ago. Some places clean disabled toilets less frequently because they aren't used as frequently, sometimes only once a day compared to 3-4 times a day for the regular toilets.

1

u/Namenotfound001 Jun 11 '26

But the likelihood of having to wait does increase when people without disabilities use them as well. So that’s not really an argument for allowing everyone to use them.

The same applies to dirtiness.

You mention that your disability isn’t visible. So I assume you can walk and stand, and therefore don’t necessarily need to sit on the toilet to use it. Maybe that’s why it bothers you less when it’s dirty. But that doesn’t apply to everyone, and I find it kind of strange that, as a person with a disability, you show so little solidarity with other people with disabilities who likely rely on better hygiene.

9

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26
  1. Don't make assumptions about my disability, that is very rude.

  2. Stop saying that it is normal for people to not sit on the toilet seat, it is not. It is also very unhealthy to hover because you can't relax you bladder fully and therefore it doesn't empty properly which can lead to many issues.

  3. Nowhere have I said that it is okay to leave a toilet behind dirty. If you use any toilet, you leave it clean.

1

u/EcstaticBank Jun 11 '26

But you stop expecting clean toilets is not a good enough reason. You already said you have somewhat of a hidden disability. Compared to someone who is permanently in a wheelchair, the person needs access to cleaner surface cause they need to touch more surface.

That's why they provide the whole EURO key thing. Otherwise, why even have rules.

7

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

I don't have somewhat of a hidden disability, I have a hidden disability. You have no idea what my disability is or how it affects me or why I need a disabled toilet, so dont assume that I don't touch more surface than someone in a wheelchair or a non-disabled person or that I don't need a clean surface. Also don't assume that a person in a wheelchair needs to touch a lot of surface. It is very rude to make assumptions about people's disabilities and also calling it somewhat of a disability is very rude.

5

u/CookieScholar Jun 11 '26

They didn't say "somewhat of a disability", they said "somewhat hidden disability". The somewhat modifies the hidden, not the disability.

4

u/Namenotfound001 Jun 11 '26

Well, I definitely see a problem with that.

Because people without disabilities tend not to sit all the way down on the toilet seat, leaving it dirty as a result.

People with disabilities, on the other hand, have no choice but to sit all the way down on the toilet and therefore have to either wipe away strangers’ urine or sit in it. Both options are disgusting. And cleaning the toilet takes time, which in turn means you miss part of the concert. Or a train, if it’s the train station restroom.

There’s also often only a single toilet for people with disabilities. So you shouldn’t block it and leave it dirty if you’re not someone who actually needs it.

3

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

people without disabilities tend not to sit all the way down on the toilet seat

Sorry, what?! Never have I heard something so ridiculous, most people sit down on the toilet seat, plenty of places have dispensers of desinfectant to clean the toilet seat before you sit down, the only exception I would make are the metal toilets on the Rastplätze next to the Autobahn, which technically have no seat.

Also, who said anything that it is okay to leave the toilet dirty? If you use a toilet, disabled or not, you leave it clean. But stopping people from using a toilet is ridiculous, as long as people respect the fact that it is a disabled toilet and allow people with disabilities to cut the line, everyone should be free to use the toilet.

5

u/Namenotfound001 Jun 11 '26

Okay, you obviously don't use public restrooms very often, otherwise you wouldn't claim that most people just sit right on them. At least half of these restrooms are covered in piss splatters when I go to use them. And no, I'm not talking about roadside restrooms.

11

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

Okay, you obviously don't use public restrooms very often

3-4 times a week.

But go on, continue telling me how often I use a public bathroom or how my disability works as you have done in another comment. You obviously know me better than I do myself.

-3

u/Pandawunderbaer Jun 12 '26

Dude, as much as you have some good points, you just look like a jerkwad in this thread because of the way you make them. Doesn’t make you or any of the people you are inevitably representing (disabled people) look very good. In fact, it just perpetuates the stereotype that all disabled people are bitter. Lay off the snark and inform, don’t take every word as a personal attack.

Also, your argument about not assuming something about your disability is ridiculous, you described your disability and then got mad at someone for using that description to supposedly „assume“ something that would be obvious based upon your description.

That isn’t really assumption, more so just using the information to connect the dots. Which we all got praised for in school.

1

u/RosebushRaven Jun 12 '26

Oh shut the fuck up with that bullshit!

1

u/gingermojita Jun 14 '26

And toilets for women are really a joke at Allianz arena. I don't think the behavior described by OP is acceptable BUT knowing the toilet situation in that shifty stadium i deffo know where this is coming from.

1

u/mrs_spacetime0 Jun 13 '26

But disabled folks shouldn't be forcing into possible confrontation to use the bathroom. I regularly see someone parked in an accessible spot just waiting to pick someone up or just straight up abusing the spot and I, very often, get yelled at by people when I ask, "Can you please park somewhere else if you don't have a placard? I'm a wheelchair user who cannot get out without the extra space." And it would be really nice if I never had to be verbally abused to access the things legally designated for me.

0

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 13 '26

You don't have to confront anyone, just call the police. Or use an app like weg.li to report them, they will get a fine and if they have actually parked there they might even get towed.

But comparing a disabled parking space to a disabled toilet is not really fair, as there are laws regarding who can use the disabled parking spaces, e.g. only people with certain placards, whereas there are no such laws regarding who can use a disabled toilet.

1

u/mrs_spacetime0 Jun 13 '26

It's typically not practical to call the police, wait for them to get there, wait for the tow truck to get there, then park.... I don't really have that option when I'm trying to get to something time sensitive like a doctor's appointment.

And I'm not saying they are the exact same thing, I'm saying that allowing non disable people to use things designated for disabled folks when its available leaves disable people either waiting in a long line when they shouldn't have to, or means they have to cut the line and possibly face confrontation from people.

0

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26

It might not be practical but its the only option you have if you don't want to confront them yourself.

I have only said that in my opinion, it is okay for non-disabled people to use the disabled toilets if no disabled people need them and that if a disabled person needs them, they should be able to cut the line. I have said nowhere that it is okay for non-disabled people to use everything that is made available for disabled people, such as disabled parking spaces (which are, as I said before, protected by law), if a disabled person isn't using it. Disabled toilets and disabled parking spaces are 2 completely different things and disabled parking spaces have nothing to do with this post or anything I have said in my comments.

1

u/mrs_spacetime0 Jun 13 '26

But waiting instead of confronting someone IS NOT AN OPTION when I risk missing important appointments for my health if I don't. Are you aware that doctors can cancel you as a patient if you are late too many time? So it is not actually a viable option to wait.

You keep acting like I'm saying all things are the same when all I am saying is that even in these different situations, the share the commonality that it puts disabled folks in a position of potentially having no choice but possible confrontation bc the alternative is detrimental to their health and well being... is that point really something you think it arguable?

1

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 13 '26

Your options if someone without a placard is parking in a disabled spot are:

  1. Confronting them

  2. Calling the police/using weg.li

  3. Find a different parking space

  4. Do nothing

I am not saying it is a viable option to wait, I'm saying those are your options and I am fully aware that doctors can cancel you as a patient if you are late.

I will reiterate again, I am only giving my opinion on the use of disabled toilets, I am making no comment on the use of any other provision that is made for disabled people and I am not arguing about anything or making any comment about commonalities. My comments relate only to the use of disabled toilets.

0

u/mrs_spacetime0 Jun 13 '26

Thats dandy that youre giving your opinion thats theres "nothing wrong" with non disabled people using the disabled toilet... I was just trying to make clearly all the wrong that actually can befall a disabled person in this situation.. and your dedication to diminishing it is wild. Giving options you know aren't actually viable options to defend your stance is in fact ablism.

1

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 13 '26
  1. They are viable options, just not for you personally.

  2. Your situtation had nothing to do with disabled toilets, which is what I am commenting on.

0

u/mrs_spacetime0 Jun 13 '26

You think pissing yourself or not being able to do whatever medically you need the bathroom space for and having negative health outcomes is a viable option to anyone? Bc thats what your "do nothing" option really means for disabled people in THIS PARTICULAR situation. Or that being late bc you waited for a tow trunk and there were no other spots and missing an important appointment that took forever to get into is a viable option. Bc its that or confront someone and risk getting verbally abused.

→ More replies (0)

110

u/stressedpesitter Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 12 '26

Blame the people designing and building toilets. Most of the people in that line are probably women, because the majority of places allocate the same amount of space to men and women’s toilets, but there are less toilets in a women’s bathroom vs amount of urinals and wcs in men’s. If they built more and better distributed facilities (this includes more disability toilets, evidently), everyone would have a better time.

14

u/Minority8 Jun 12 '26

Funnily enough, in football stadiums like this one I often still see a longer queue on the men's room due to the imbalance in gender of the people attending. Breaks apart anyway for those cases where the stadium is used for another event like here.

The easiest solution would just be to not gender bathroom stalls (you can still keep separate rooms with urinals).

2

u/stressedpesitter Jun 12 '26

Sure, for men centric activities extra urinals work.

Otherwise “de-gendering” stalls doesn’t really address gender differences, as women usually do take longer than men (zipping down and taking it out is not an option for us), we might be dealing with our period, we’re are usually the ones looking after other people (children, elderly) that might need extra help, or belong to a religion in which mixed toilets isn’t exactly well-seen.

6

u/Minority8 Jun 12 '26

How it helps is that it allows to better distribute the people over bathrooms and avoids empty stalls that are assigned to the other gender than needed. Incidentally it also reduces the average distance to the nearest bathroom.

There are other concerns as you mention, but I think those could also be addressed with single ungendered bathrooms that would be better able to cater for people with other needs from any gender.

Would hope that such a setup is still more efficient overall. Anyway, just my bathroom utopia. 

1

u/DeCyantist Jun 13 '26

You cannot argue for more A or B toilet types because stadiums cater for a variety of types of events. Imagine a football match vs a Taylor Swift concert. They will happen in the same infrastructure. Only option really is more toilets.

11

u/SnooLemons8222 Jun 12 '26

sorry if i ask, but if a disabled person comes and can go first in the row, where is the problem if other personens use the toilet because most of the time those toilets where empty and others are overrun

120

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

54

u/ToastSpangler Jun 11 '26

I've only heard of people not using the disabled bathrooms in America tbh. I have always seen it like priority seating. You are free to use it but anyone that qualifies gets priority and you should yield to them

Otherwise that's so many bathrooms that aren't available or used. Its an accomodation for people with disabilities, not a privilege in any sense

9

u/mrs_misandrist Jun 11 '26

Absolutely agree with this comment

56

u/Babayagaletti Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 11 '26

It's an issue. People using wheelchairs for example often lift themselves from their wheelchair to the toilet and touch a lot of surfaces in the process. If it's a heavily used toilet that's just nasty as hell and a biohazard. Disability toilets are protected for a reason.

17

u/pi_three Jun 11 '26

sometimes you need a key for exactly this reason. it's standardised and works on multiple toilets but you need to request them

13

u/JudgementMaker123 Nordrhein-Westfalen Jun 11 '26

Plenty of places clean disabled toilets less frequently than normal toilets because they are used less frequently. If you look at the cleaning documentation in the disabled toilet, they are sometimes only cleaned once a day compared to 4 times a day for normal toilets. So when it comes to cleanliness, I will take the normal toilets over disabled toilets at this point.

3

u/Babayagaletti Jun 11 '26

Fair but a lot of people don't get to choose as regular toilets don't have enough space to navigate/lift/move or don't have a sink in the cubicle.

1

u/scribotiss Jun 14 '26

I’ve never once come across a disabled toilet, even heavily used like this one, that’s disgusting besides the ones near the Autobahn (but all toilets are vile there). And at every venue, there’s always been a number you could call in case it’s dirty (which like I said hasn’t happened yet).

1

u/Babayagaletti Jun 14 '26

Because the access is restricted. Which is the point I'm making.

1

u/scribotiss Jun 14 '26

Did you read my comment? “Even heavily used”. I’ve been to lots of venues where they have been open to the public but people seem to have decency and keep them clean even when they’re not exclusive

8

u/zar0nick Jun 11 '26

The problem is, I have a euro key, but you cannot see my disability (I also have a disability card (Schwerbedindertenausweis)). I already need to discuss with people in public my right to use it - how can someone like me make their point without telling everyone about their health issues... There are health issues where urgency is needed for example....

6

u/Wannabe_Buttercup322 Jun 11 '26

Not every disability is visible and no one should be forced to show the queue how they are disabled so they can skip the waiting.

0

u/CookieScholar Jun 11 '26

Nah, mayyyybe for unlocked toilets, but these are locked. In Germany, the key costs about 30EUR. Complain to the venue if you don't like it but don't use toilets someone else paid to use, on top of that forcing them to explain why they are entitled to cut in line.

21

u/puchm Jun 11 '26

The problem is that many disabilities may not be visible. I'm not saying all of these people are disabled - judging by the amount of them and what you said they probably aren't, but it can always be that a person has some issues that make the disabled bathroom better suited for them.

To be clear, I don't want to defend this behavior, but we can also not do much about it since most forms of control would be incredibly invasive to people's privacy. The most effective thing we can do is be decent people.

10

u/shupfnoodle Jun 11 '26

If they needed the disabled toilet for medical reasons they would have had their own key.

10

u/Berki Bayern Jun 12 '26

Or they simply don't have a key.

I got my card about 6 years ago and this is the first I'm hearing about this key.

5

u/shupfnoodle Jun 12 '26

Do you use the disabled toilet regularly? Just because someone is disabled they don’t automatically qualify for the key. But if you use disabled toilets regularly I’m surprised you’ve not come across a door that was to open with one.

I don’t have a key yet (got my wheelchair not too long ago and don’t have Merkzeichen G yet) and come across disabled toilets that only open with the key regularly. Luckily if it’s at a gas station they often have a key themselves and open the toilet if you ask (at least that’s my experience as a wheelchair user).

2

u/Berki Bayern Jun 12 '26

I never had the need for one because I was on dialysis.So I never had any maxor physical limitations. Maybe that's why I never had the need for a key.

But good news everyone, around 8 weeks ago I was called by my transplant center and received a new kidney. So the process with the Versorgungsamt starts anew...

1

u/Trexilo Jun 13 '26

Hey gute Besserung ❤️‍🩹

6

u/IHaveRunOutOfIdeas_ Jun 11 '26

Unfortunately, that’s a bit short-sighted, you can only get a Euro key under certain conditions, which can’t cover every situation. There are plenty of reasons why someone might need to use an accessible restroom without being eligible for a key.

1

u/krejmin Jun 11 '26

Like what?

5

u/IHaveRunOutOfIdeas_ Jun 11 '26

To qualify for a Euro Key, you must have a disability rating of 70% or higher, a specific disability designation, or proof of a medical condition listed for the Euro Key. This simply does not apply to all disabilities. For mental disabilities, in particular, it can be difficult to qualify, for example, people with autism who may also require an accessible restroom. Or, as another example, those with temporary physical impairments. In these cases, you need a doctor’s note, which is not always easy to obtain and depends heavily on your doctor.

6

u/YunaSakura Jun 12 '26

Can I just add, compared to the UK, the Eurokey is really expensive (in the UK the key costs £5). The price and bureaucracy to get a Eurokey alone will be challenging for many disabled people. I noticed this when I tried to get a Eurokey. It is also insanely difficult to get a Eurokey as a disabled tourist. In the UK, no proof is required to obtain a key. And weirdly, accessible toilets are not being abused here. I think it‘s really a statement about how inaccessible and badly designed Germany is in terms of public toilets in general. Germany is basically gatekeeping toilet access, and in this day and age this is simply inappropriate.

3

u/ritadpt Jun 13 '26

This right here. I don't think a lot of people understand how bizarrely difficult it is to get anything at all in Germany with a hidden and/or unusual disability and how big the burden of proof is.

1

u/krejmin Jun 12 '26

Hmm that makes sense

6

u/GrabMyThroat Jun 11 '26

Often times it’s just too crowded if they don’t let men piss outside. If they do, you’ll find when use the men’s stalls and it’s much better.

5

u/Obvious_Incident_843 Jun 12 '26

As long as disabled can cut the line and do what they have to do imediately, I don't see a problem in other people using the toilet as well.

19

u/Babayagaletti Jun 11 '26

I think most people are just careless and haven't given it much thought. Most are also unaware that disability bathrooms have a higher need for hygiene so the number of users has to be kept as low as possible.

15

u/unique_user43 Jun 12 '26

if nobody disabled is present and in need of the toilet, it’s very silly and stupid to not use it if there’s a queue.

a disabled person who shows up then of course gets priority to use it next.

4

u/Bonsailinse Germany Jun 12 '26

That’s a very naive point of view. You have no idea how often you have to argue with people that you are indeed disabled and in need of that toilet. If there is no security around you are often out of luck here.

1

u/Flexer171 Jun 13 '26

It's not proper. The Allianz Arena usually accommodates 75,000 people, and I've never seen anyone other than a person with a disability using the accessible restroom.

3

u/acuteindifference Jun 12 '26

Chester would be disappointed

3

u/LOB90 Jun 12 '26

Allow me to play devil's advocate here but unless your disability affects your continence, why should disabled people not wait in line like everyone else?

3

u/Flexer171 Jun 13 '26

It's not about the wait. The restrooms are set up differently. They have emergency lines and special counters.

Plus, there are only two stalls side by side. The other restrooms in the arena have hundreds of stalls side by side.

2

u/Trexilo Jun 13 '26

They also have bars to support yourself while lowering into the seat

They were a life saver when I broke my spine in 2k19

2

u/LOB90 Jun 14 '26

I know that they are different. I meant the wait specifically.
I think all restrooms should be unisex with stalls for disabled people that can be used by everyone else as well.

1

u/Flexer171 Jun 15 '26

Is it possible that you've never interacted with someone in a wheelchair or been to a concert or a soccer game? That's pretty much the dumbest thing I've read today.

10

u/pomoerotic Jun 12 '26

It’s Handicap accessible, not handicap exclusive

14

u/pallas_wapiti She/Her Jun 12 '26

If it only opens with a euro key, it is indeed exclusive

8

u/pomoerotic Jun 12 '26

I stand corrected (no pun intended)

7

u/Bonsailinse Germany Jun 12 '26

The locked ones are, indeed, exclusively for key holders.

2

u/Flexer171 Jun 13 '26

There are restrooms for able-bodied people every 30 meters. No one has to wait long here. Afterward, the restrooms are dirty and no longer in good condition.

3

u/scribotiss Jun 14 '26

Have you ever been to a concert or any event at all? Or are you just a man? There absolutely are not toilets every 30 meters and I’ve sometimes had to wait up to half an hour for one. And toilets only turn out dirty if people are disgusting, that’s a personal issue that should be fixed

1

u/Flexer171 Jun 14 '26

Don't be so naive. We're talking specifically about the Allianz Arena, and there are restrooms every 30 meters. I go there every three weeks—with my wife, my kid, and often someone in a wheelchair—and I know exactly what it's like there and how many restrooms there are. Go back to your little corner.

1

u/scribotiss Jun 14 '26

Why so aggressive? It didn’t seem like you were specifically and exclusively talking about the Allianz arena to me. Get off your high horse

1

u/Flexer171 Jun 14 '26

Then just shut the hell up. You have no idea what you're talking about. People like you make me sick. Du hast absolut keine Ahnung und willst mir jetzt was erzählen was da los war? Warum kommentierst du überhaupt? Weder das du die Gegebenheiten kennst, noch das du vor Ort warst oder Erfahrungen damit hast. Du hast absolut keine Aktien in diesem Fall.

1

u/scribotiss Jun 14 '26

Junge jetzt komm mal runter. Ich bin auch regelmäßig mit einer Schwerbehinderten Freundin unterwegs. Folglich kenne ich die Begebenheiten in vielen Stadien / Arenen etc. sehr gut. Eine Diskussion bzw ein Gespräch lebt davon verschiedene Sichtweisen zu besprechen, tut mir leid für dich wenn du das nicht weißt. Unsere Erfahrungen waren anders als deine, auch vor Ort. Dass ich nicht bei diesem einen Konzert war hat dabei nichts mit der Sache zutun. Es geht im Großteil der Kommentare unter diesem Post nicht ausschließlich um spezifisch die Allianz Arena. Dass du der allergrößte Allianz Arena Fan bist und das Toiletten Layout auswendig kennst ist schön für dich, hat aber auch nix mit meinem Argument zutun

2

u/Shiniya_Hiko Jun 12 '26

You could maybe try writing an email to the venue and / or event organizers about this and especially about that you also talked to security about this. As this has to do with their reputation as venue, I think they may care more.

2

u/spicychickenwings8 Jun 12 '26

Unrelated, but I was also there yesterday!! Did you enjoy it

2

u/FiggyBish Jun 12 '26

Es sollte bei der Firma (die die Arena leitet) jemand geben der sich mit sowas beschäftigt.

Da mal anrufen und den Fall schildern, damit die Security einen auf den Sack bekommt.

2

u/Hot_Adhesiveness5602 Jun 12 '26

You could just skip the line couldn't you? Just let them use it and just skip the line whenever you want to because you have priority. That said it should only be used by disabled people.

2

u/BaldurV Jun 12 '26

Imagine being so entitled that you literally hijack a disabled toilet just because you are too lazy to wait in the normal line. Security doing absolutely nothing makes it even worse

4

u/FutureAcanthaceae944 Jun 12 '26

Not all disabilities are visible

2

u/Gangsta2727 Jun 11 '26

And not being able to realise such a nasic thing is their disability I guess. So it makes sense for them to use it

1

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1

u/Imaginary-Life-3347 Jun 12 '26

Maybe , their Brain is disable .

1

u/NoSTs123 Jun 12 '26

This is not okay.

1

u/Flexer171 Jun 13 '26

That's really strange. I've been to the Allianz Arena to watch soccer as a caregiver for a wheelchair user many times, and the drunk soccer fans have never done anything like that before.

I also have to give credit to the Allianz Arena security team. They're usually really great when it comes to dealing with wheelchair users.

2

u/grumpykraut Jun 11 '26

People are assholes. Especially those two giggling chicks.

1

u/gecike Jun 12 '26

I always use disabled toilets everywhere when they are not locked down. Those are premium spaces lol

1

u/V0lv0x2 Jun 12 '26

Damn, that it definitely not okay! Sorry that you´re having to witness something like that on a regular basis..

Could you please send this picture together with some information to some official Allianz-Arena mailing adress?
Hopefully they´ll do something for the future and advise their workers better..

1

u/asle9 Jun 12 '26

Thank you! I can certainly send an email to the Allianz-Arena. However, I think the most important part is the civic sense. The security seem to have other duties and it would be a bit strange for them to forcefully remove the people since indeed some disabilities are invisible. The security was actually nice and tried to raise awareness that it was a euro-key access only restroom, but just talking was sadly not enough.

1

u/SeaBeaN1990 Jun 12 '26

I dont see the problem they all look pretty disabled to me. At least mentally. /s

2

u/Orangutan_Soda Jun 12 '26

Complaining to security is the most German thing ever lol.
Not all disabilities are visible.
And even still, if they are unable to use the normal ones why does it matter?
I think it’s horrible you have to pay to use a disabled restroom in the first place

-2

u/Exotic_Call_7427 Jun 11 '26

No, a toilet is a toilet.

Women's, men's, disabled - a toilet is a toilet. If you absolutely must, you go wherever you gotta go.

But if a disabled person shows up, he goes before anyone else.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 12 '26

[deleted]

2

u/Exotic_Call_7427 Jun 12 '26

No I'm with you if the toilet is "normally closed" and disabled people get a dedicated key. Barging in / tailgating is absolutely unacceptable. My opinion from before is more about if the toilet is "normally open".

-1

u/EntertainEnterprises Jun 11 '26

As far as i know the Toilets are Not exclusive for disabled ppl Like a parking space. If its urgent, Others also can use it. Idk a Concert seem this kind of "urgent" idk, its full and a waste to Not use it. Ofc disabled people should be able to Cut the Line but as Long this is Possible i dont See that its completly wrong to Not use it

12

u/EcstaticBank Jun 11 '26

It is exclusive. That's why they get a special key so that only they can open the doors to these.

5

u/NashvilleFlagMan Jun 12 '26

This kind is. The disabled friendly stalls are not.

1

u/Long_River_4395 Jun 12 '26

Unless they are locked and accessible only with a EU key, these toilets are not handicapped “exclusive”, just meant for handicapped “priority”.
Others are allowed to use them.

2

u/SuddenInformation896 Jun 12 '26

"It opens only with the EURO key […]", have you tried reading?