Is access to a Bathroom a right?

[LoriAnn]

Hi,
I am hoping that some fellow IC patients can give me some advice and guidance. I have had an office job with a small noforprofit in nyc for the kast two years. Currently our office space has a bathroom readily available to me. Next month my boss wants to move us into a space where the closest bathroom is 4 flights away. I am terrified I couldn't imagine not having a bathroom readily available. What should I do? I told my employer about my issues and they shrugged it off. The move is still a go even though there are better options open to us that would provide for my needs.
I am planning to bring it up to my doctor and physical therapist; but I feel kind of silly and honestly, what do they have the power to do? I think I read somewhere that IC is considered a disability; so do I have any rights? Is there any law protecting me? Who is the appropriate person to talk to about this stuff?

Desperately in need of some guidance
Lori

[dg2901]

Lori,

You might want to start by searching the ADA home page. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, theres a "contact us" feature where you could submit your questions and concerns.

Take care
Diana

[GriffsMommy]

I would imagine that they just have to make a bathroom available to you, which they are it's just far away. I know that at my current job the bathroom is right outside of my little pod, but there are only 2 bathrooms so they are often times in use. I either have to wait or go to a different floor to use the bathroom. Usually I can wait the minute for someone to come out. Because I get up to go so much and the bathroom is right outside my pod I ususally wait to go until I really have to go but if I were in your situation I would probably get up and go at the first urge. If this is legal and there is nothing that you can do about it in that regard then I would get a note from your doctor that explains your condition and that you need to make frequent trips to the bathroom and that waiting is not only very painful but impossible. This way they can put it in your file and if they give you a hard time about it, it's harresment. I have a very simple note from my doctor that says that I have IC and that I need to be able to use the bathroom frequently. My job didn't ask for this, I provided it because I didn't want anybody to question my bathroom use and think that I was not being productive. I don't know how my boss could think that anyway as I work my butt off for her but I think that it never hurts to have documentation from a doctor. Hope that all works out well for you.

[ICNDonna]

Christine's suggestion is a good one.

Donna