Location: Throne at Lawson Park, Royal Oak, MI
Date of Observation: July 28, 2025
Observation Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
Overview: This audit focuses on the accessibility of a Throne public restroom unit, a port-a-potty alternative, located at Lawson Park in Royal Oak. The observation aimed to identify potential barriers for individuals with various disabilities.
Difficulties Noted (Problems/Barriers):
- System Glitch/Occupancy Detection: The most significant difficulty encountered was a malfunction in the Throne’s computer system, which incorrectly indicated the unit was “In Use” for a full 10-minute cycle despite being vacant. This directly impedes access and causes unnecessary waiting time for all users, but particularly for individuals who may have urgent needs or limited patience/mobility.
- Required Mobile Device for Access: Entry to the Throne unit necessitates scanning a QR code or sending a text message. This design choice creates a significant barrier for individuals who:
- Do not own a smartphone or mobile device.
- Have a dead battery or no service.
- Have visual impairments that prevent them from easily locating and scanning a QR code or reading small text on a screen.
- Lack the fine motor skills required for precise phone manipulation.
- Small Exterior Text: While the “In Use” sign uses large font, some other text on the exterior of the Throne unit was noted to be small. This could make it difficult for individuals with visual impairments or those who have difficulty reading small print to understand instructions or information before entry.
- Lack of Braille Signage: There was no braille available on any signage, exterior or interior. This is a considerable barrier for individuals who are blind or have severe visual impairments, as they would be unable to independently navigate or understand instructions without visual cues.
Positive Observations (Accessibility Features):
- Spacious Interior: The interior of the Throne was described as generally spacious, which is beneficial for wheelchair users and individuals who require more room for mobility aids.
- Ramp Access: The presence of a ramp provides accessible entry for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges, avoiding a potential barrier like stairs.
- Clear Directions (Verbal): The verbal instructions upon entering, including the 10-minute rule and door operation, are clear and repeated in Spanish, which is helpful for auditory learners and Spanish-speaking individuals.
- Comfort Features: Calming spa music and air conditioning contribute to a more pleasant and potentially less stressful experience for all users.
Impact on Different Disabilities:
- Mobility Impairments (e.g., Wheelchair Users):
- Positive: The spacious interior and ramp access are crucial for independent navigation.
- Challenge: The system glitch causing extended “In Use” periods could be particularly frustrating and physically taxing if an individual with mobility issues has to wait for an extended period.
- Visual Impairments:
- Significant Challenges: The reliance on a QR code/text for entry is a major hurdle. Without a sighted assistant, individuals who are blind or have severe low vision would be unable to access the restroom independently. Small exterior text further exacerbates this issue. The absence of braille signage means they cannot read critical information or instructions.
- Mitigation (partial): The large “In Use” font is a positive, but only tells them the unit is occupied, not how to access it when free.
- Hearing Impairments:
- Positive: The verbal instructions are repeated visually on an LED sign, ensuring those who cannot hear the audio cues still receive the information.
- Challenge: No direct challenge noted related to the primary functions, but the reliance on a mobile device for entry could be an issue if an individual uses a text-to-speech app for communication and that app is on the device required for entry.
- Cognitive/Neurological Impairments:
- Potential Challenge: The 10-minute time limit, while explained clearly, might create anxiety or pressure for some individuals with cognitive processing differences, potentially impacting their ability to use the facility comfortably. The system glitch prolonging this wait could add to confusion or frustration.
- Positive: Clear verbal instructions are beneficial for understanding the rules and operation.
Recommendations for Improvement:
- Alternative Access Methods: Implement multiple ways to open the door, such as a large, tactile push-button, a keypad, or a voice command system, in addition to the mobile device options.
- Tactile Signage/Braille: Add braille to all critical exterior and interior signage, including instructions for entry and exit, and the 10-minute rule.
- Larger Font on All Signage: Ensure all instructional and informational text on the exterior is in a sufficiently large and high-contrast font.
- System Reliability: Address and resolve the software glitches that lead to false “In Use” readings to ensure consistent and reliable access.
- Visual-Tactile Lock/Unlock: Consider incorporating a more traditional, tactile lock/unlock mechanism (similar to a port-a-potty) as a backup or alternative for interior door operation, especially for those who may struggle with voice commands or screen interactions.
Overall, while the Throne offers innovative features and some accessibility considerations (spaciousness, ramp), its reliance on digital access and the lack of tactile/braille alternatives create significant barriers for various user groups, particularly those with visual impairments. Addressing these issues would greatly enhance the overall accessibility of the Throne unit.