Well, it's not rocket science to know when a bathroom stall is occupied....look for the legs/feet...then again, if you try the door, it's probably locked...if not, then the person on the toilet would push the door back at you...
I refrain from using public restrooms also, but whenever it's necessary that I've got to go, I never sit completely down on the toilet seat....and spread toilet paper over the toilet seat....If there is no hot water or soap to use after, then a hand sanitizer comes into play....carrying a small bottle in ur purse is at times a very good idea.
As far as a large group of deafies outside in the open...just getting into their line of view, even waving ur arms would get their attention....
