When you’re out and about and nature calls, you gotta go. Two tots under the age of four are no exception to that rule, so recently, when their dad, Timothy, was tasked with taking the toddlers to the restroom in the middle of the baseball game, he prepared for the battle – the battle of the public restroom.
Public restrooms have made significant advances to accessibility in the last few decades; wheelchair-accessibility, changing stations for parents and their babies, and the addition of handrails for stability. However, there is still a long way to go when it comes to easy access to the sink for everyone, including Timothy’s children.
Timothy’s kids are two of millions of children who are affected by the lack of accessibility of public restrooms. There are almost 25 million children under the age of 5 in the US alone, and almost a million people around the world who are experiencing dwarfism. Unfortunately, accessible handwashing is often out of reach.
These are not insignificant numbers. The bottom line is that when soap and water are easily available, people of all heights have equal opportunity to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
For those unable to reach the restroom counter, washing their hands with soap and water may not be an option. Children and people with height-related disabilities should not have to skip the sink.
The positive impact handwashing can have on everyone’s health should make improving access to handwashing a top priority for retailers, restaurants, parks, and other public places - including the ball field!
Washing your hands should be a right, not a privilege. Yet it doesn’t always feel that way.
If someone you love has been unable to wash their hands effectively because they cannot reach the sink, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know where you’d like to see Step ‘n Wash.
At Step ‘n Wash, we’re here to help improve access to handwashing one step at a time.
For more information about the step, visit stepnwash.com.
