Life with IBD
Living with Crohn's disease means thinking about restrooms more than most people ever will. Where is the nearest one? Will they let me use it? What if I don't make it in time? These are the kinds of questions that shape daily routines, limit spontaneity, and create anxiety that compounds an already difficult condition. The good news is that a growing set of legal protections, practical tools, and purpose-built products exists to help. This article pulls together the full toolkit: restroom access laws, bathroom cards, emergency kits, incontinence products, ostomy supplies, and parking permits.
Restroom Access Laws: Know Your Rights Under Ally's Law
The Restroom Access Act, commonly called Ally's Law, requires retail establishments to let customers with qualifying medical conditions use employee-only restrooms when no public restroom is available. The law is named after Ally Bain, who was 14 years old and living with Crohn's disease when she was denied access to a retail store restroom in Illinois. That state became the first to pass the law in 2005.
As of 2025, at least 20 states and the District of Columbia have adopted their own versions. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, among others. A federal Restroom Access Act was introduced in 2025 and would expand protections nationwide for people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions requiring urgent bathroom access.
Most state laws require you to present documentation from a healthcare provider confirming your condition. The retail establishment must have at least two employees on duty, and the restroom location must be safe and not pose an obvious security risk. Violating the law in most states results in a fine, though enforcement varies.
Bathroom Cards: What They Are and How to Get One
A bathroom access card, sometimes called an "I Can't Wait" card or "restroom request card," is a wallet-sized card that briefly explains your medical condition and your need for immediate restroom access. It is not a legal document in most states, but it saves you from having to explain your condition verbally in a stressful moment.
There are several ways to get one. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation provides a membership card with "I Can't Wait" language. Some states, like Virginia and New York, offer state-issued restroom request cards that carry more weight because they reference the specific law. In states with Ally's Law, carrying a signed letter or form from your gastroenterologist alongside your card strengthens your legal standing. You can also purchase cards from retailers or download printable versions from organizations like the Bladder & Bowel Community.
Building a Crohn's Emergency Kit
A Crohn's flare kit is a bag you keep packed and ready for outings, commutes, and travel. What goes in yours depends on your symptoms, but a solid starting point includes hygiene supplies (toilet paper, alcohol-free wet wipes, hand sanitizer, disposal bags), a change of underwear and lightweight bottoms, anti-diarrheal medication approved by your doctor, your bathroom access card and a list of current medications, and a phone charger. Some people also carry a small can of air freshener, a medical ID bracelet, and their gastroenterologist's contact information. According to WebMD, keeping all of these items in a small backpack or gym bag makes them easy to grab and avoids the need to repack every time you leave the house.
Incontinence Products Designed for Bowel Urgency
Standard incontinence products are designed primarily for urinary leakage, which behaves differently from the loose or liquid stools common during a Crohn's flare. Products built for bowel incontinence use taller leak guards, higher-capacity absorbent cores, and odor-containing materials. Pull-up style underwear like NorthShore GoSupreme offers a discreet fit for public outings, while tab-style briefs like MEGAMAX provide maximum overnight protection. For women, bamboo-lined underwear from brands like Pavone provides lighter protection that looks and feels closer to regular clothing. When choosing a product, look specifically for "bowel incontinence" on the label rather than general incontinence products, since the design differences are meaningful.
Ostomy Supply Basics After Surgery
If you have had a bowel resection resulting in an ileostomy or colostomy, managing your ostomy supplies becomes part of daily life. Your appliance typically stays attached for three to seven days, and the pouch should be emptied about four to five times daily. Empty it before bed to prevent overnight leaks. Pre-cutting your wafer to the correct stoma size saves time during changes. Nearly every ostomy manufacturer offers free samples, so try different products before committing to a supply order. A wound, ostomy, and continence nurse, known as a WOCN, is the best resource for troubleshooting skin irritation, flange leaks, and sizing issues. When traveling, pack supplies in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
Disability Parking Permits for Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease can qualify you for a disability parking permit in many states, though eligibility criteria vary. Most states base their criteria on mobility limitations rather than specific diagnoses. If pain, fatigue, or urgency limits your ability to walk 200 feet without stopping, you may qualify. The application process typically requires your doctor to complete a certification form, which you submit to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Some patients use temporary permits during active flares and switch to permanent ones if their condition warrants it. Contact your state DMV directly for specific requirements, since the process and documentation differ from state to state.
Putting It All Together
None of these tools alone eliminates the daily stress of managing Crohn's in public spaces. But used together, they form a practical safety net. Know your restroom access rights, carry your bathroom card, keep your emergency kit packed, choose the right products for your symptom profile, and apply for a parking permit if you need one. Track your urgency patterns with Aidy to identify your highest-risk times of day and plan your restroom access strategy accordingly.