Not all disabilities are visible
Disability friendly signage has been installed in all the Council’s public toilets making it easier for those with hidden disabilities to use the facilities without fear of criticism.
Signs on the 11 accessible public toilets across the Tunbridge Wells borough now display the message ‘Not all disabilities are visible’ as recommended by Crohn’s & Colitis UK who have campaigned on the issue.
The new signage has been installed at the request of Goudhurst and Lamberhurst ward member Councillor Linda Hall who was contacted by a resident wishing to highlight the problem faced by some people with hidden disabilities who received abuse for using disabled toilets.
Councillor Linda Hall said: 'I saw the importance of changing the signage on the accessible toilets in the Borough to remind residents to be considerate of other people who, while they may not have a visible condition, must be treated with respect and understanding when they need to use the accessible loos.'
A 2018 survey carried out by Crohn’s & Colitis UK showed that one in two people with Crohn’s or Colitis have faced verbal or physical discrimination just for trying to use accessible toilets that they so urgently need.
