By: Carina Diaz
There is a law in 13 states called Ally’s Law, which requires retail establishments to allow people with IBD and other similar conditions to access an employee restroom if there aren’t any public facilities available. It got its name from Ally Bain, who has IBD. When she was 14, she was shopping with her mom at a store when she experienced a flare and felt the sudden urge to go to the toilet.
Since there wasn’t a public restroom, she asked to use the employee restroom. She was denied access by a manager and had an accident in the store. Ally and her mom met with an Illinois state representative, and they drafted a bill allowing people to use an employee restroom if they have a medical condition. It became a law in 2005.
I’ve had a card for a few years now and it has really saved me in times of need when my symptoms were very intense. Just knowing that it’s in my wallet has given me peace of mind. Though it hasn’t always been well received. Here is a list of some of the places I’ve used it and my experience:
A concert venue: At this particular venue, they close off the main restrooms after a certain time. A friend came with me to look for a bathroom, and it ended up being quite the journey. We found porta potties, but I wasn’t comfortable going in one and really wanted more privacy. I talked to a security guard and he told me to go to the VIP section and explain that I have an illness. I was denied at the entrance and the employee didn’t even let me show the card or anything. Then, I walked back to where the main bathrooms were, which were close to the stage, and had to yell at another security guard for him to hear me. I held up my card, and he kept asking if I had a medical bracelet. After a few minutes of back and forth between him, my friend, and I, he called over his supervisor who kindly let me use the bathrooms. This was a stressful situation, and although it’s a popular spot for live music in the city I live in, I refuse to ever go again.
The post office: I was with my mom running errands when I felt the urge to use the bathroom. I took out my card, and my mom explained my situation to a worker who then walked me to a bathroom. I remember feeling pretty sick that day, so I was very grateful.
American Eagle in a mall: This was my most positive experience using the card. I held it up and told one of the employees that I really needed to use the restroom. I don’t think she even read it, but without hesitation, she led me to the back where the employee restroom was. She was very kind about it and didn’t make me feel weird or asked questions.
I learned about this law and the restroom access card through a Facebook group, but this is one of those things that would’ve been helpful to know of when I was diagnosed. It’s an important resource to have and has helped me be an advocate for myself. The Restroom Access Act has also made the outside world a bit more accessible for people with IBD. If only it were a law in every state and all over the world!
You can learn more about Ally’s Law and the Restroom Access Act on the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s website and at the American Restroom Association’s website for the bills in 13 states. To get your own card (which also has a mobile option), you can go to crohnsandcolitis.com (this is where I got mine) or girlswithgurts.com.