Not all disabilities are visible
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.
