The campaign for more accessible public toilets for severely disabled people has reached a landmark, with the opening of the UK’s 100th Changing Places facility.
Changing Places offer more space and equipment – including a hoist and a height-adjustable changing bench – than normal accessible toilets.
Without them, many disabled people have to be changed on dirty toilet floors.
The Changing Places Consortium – which includes the Centre for Accessible Environments, Mencap and the Scottish government – says there are about 230,000 severely disabled people in the UK who do not have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs.
The opening of a Changing Places toilet at the Tinsley Green Children’s Centre in Sheffield means there are now 100 such facilities in the UK.
Mark Gale, Mencap’s campaigns support officer, said: “The progress that is being made, especially over recent weeks, is welcome and great news for the thousands of people who are able to enjoy days out with their families as a result.
“However, there are 230,000 people in the UK who would benefit from Changing Places toilets.
“This means that more Changing Places toilets are still needed, and we will be looking forward to watching the continued growth in the number of toilets as a result of the campaign.”
To sign an online petition calling for the government to make sure that all new public buildings have a Changing Places toilet, visit www.mencap.org.uk
3 August 2009
