Bob and I were in an Ocean State Job Lots store this morning, and after about a half hour I began seriously looking around for the restrooms. I was getting frustrated, because in their other store sort of near us, the restrooms are clearly marked and conveniently located.

Finally I had to ask an employee. To my shock and dismay, she said "I'll have to escort you upstairs." WHUH??? My heart just sank. But at this point, it was urgent, no time to leave the store and go elsewhere, so I went chugging across the back of the store, clumping along with my cane, trying to keep up with her.

When she opened the door and showed me that big old flight of stairs, like in a hospital or something, I just wanted to fall through a hole in the ground. By now it was climb the stairs or wet my pants, so up I dragged myself, with the young woman pausing every few steps to wait for me. By then there was another employee at the top waiting for me so she could descend. Ugh ugh ugh.

Then, already thoroughly mortified, I felt like I had to "hurry up" because I knew she was waiting to "escort" me back down.

By the time the ordeal was over, I was humiliated and in pain, so we paid for what we already had and left.

For the record, the young woman was very courteous and sweet. It wasn't her fault. If they had posted a sign on the door "no public restroom", I could have planned accordingly (or shopped elsewhere). I don't know if they're even required to HAVE a public restroom, but who ever heard of a department store that didn't?

What if I'd been in a wheelchair? What if I'd fallen? What if my brother was a lawyer? Grrrr.

Wow, that really sucks. I am glad you were able to make it to the bathroom but wow, upstairs? No elevator or nothing? That doesn't seem right to me either.

You get to vent with me girl!

Was it a brand new building, or was it an older one???

Vent away.

I'm sorry this happened to you but relieved to read that the employee was kind and that you made it! I don't think there are any laws that require them to offer public restrooms.

Well, at least there was not an accident...

YOU have nothing to be humiliated about! In fact, you should write a letter to the store saying that while the employee was gracious to you, they need to consider their customers with disabilities. The law requires it actually, for reasons just like this.

Sorry you went thru this ordeal.

BINGO!!!!


Write to everyone, the town council, chamber of commerce and anyone else you can think of. The store owes you an apology and if they have an ounce of class, it will come in the form of a hefty giftcard with a sincere plan to rectify the situation.

Pull out the big guns, B2, it was wrong. Period. They need to address the federal law of ADA compliance and there are plenty of 1-800-generic lawyers who would be more than happy to help you prove it.

I 3RD THAT!

i would start writing letters.
find out who the head of the store is and then the head of the company.

i'd be out for blood.
that just wasn't right.

i'm very glad you made it.
i would have needed a WC to make it out of the store.

How awful for you.. . I'm glad you made it. I wouldn't have..

I agree with AMN...Embarrass them back..

It is just down-right scary to be in situations that you have NO control over. I am so sorry you had to go through that... but glad it didn't turn out any worse.

Believe or not, there are some people who make a living rectifying situations like this for the disabled.

My cousin knows someone in a wheelchair who has a longstanding relationship with an attorney to handle these situations to make it better for everyone.

A letter is in order for sure to make them aware of the situation. I am glad you were treated well.

Your situation was food for thought for everyone else who may be in this situation one day.