The Struggle for Accessible Toilets in the UK
For many disabled individuals and their families, the lack of accessible toilets is a significant barrier to living a full and independent life. Disabled people are being forced to stay indoors or even forfeit essential medical appointments due to the absence of suitable facilities. This issue has sparked a growing campaign for more Changing Places toilets, which are specifically designed for people with complex disabilities.
What Are Changing Places Toilets?
Changing Places toilets differ from standard accessible toilets in several key ways. They are larger, typically at least 12 square meters, and are equipped with features such as an adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling track hoist, and a centrally placed toilet that allows for two carers to assist. These facilities are not just for toileting but also serve as safe spaces for individuals with sensory sensitivities or those who need to reposition themselves.
In England and Scotland, it is now a legal requirement for new large public buildings to include these toilets. However, despite progress, there are still many areas where these facilities are lacking. In Northern Ireland, for example, there are only 1.4 Changing Places toilets per 100,000 people.
Campaigns for Better Accessibility
Campaigners, including groups like Need2Change, are pushing for more widespread installation of Changing Places toilets. They argue that these facilities are essential for ensuring that people with complex disabilities can fully participate in society.
Katrina O’Leary, a mother from Bromley, shares her family’s experience. Her daughter, Sophie, requires a hoist and changing table due to her limited mobility. O’Leary emphasizes that these toilets are not just about toileting but also about providing a safe space for rest and relaxation. She explains that without these facilities, her family often avoids certain places, leading to a sense of isolation and missed opportunities.
Impact on Daily Life
The absence of accessible toilets can have a profound impact on daily life. Karen Hoe, who runs a Changing Places toilet campaign in England, describes how her family’s lives are dictated by access to these facilities. Her son, who uses a wheelchair and cannot bear weight, relies heavily on the ceiling track and hoist. Without proper facilities, they face difficult choices, such as missing hospital appointments or risking accidents.
Hoe also highlights the challenges of accessing popular attractions like stock car racing events and cinemas, which often lack the necessary infrastructure. For her family, this means planning trips around the availability of toilets, sometimes even restricting fluid intake to avoid emergencies.
Government Initiatives and Challenges
Despite the efforts of campaigners, the number of Changing Places toilets remains insufficient. Last year, 414 new toilets were installed across the UK, the highest number ever recorded. However, advocates stress that more needs to be done.
The issue has also gained attention in the House of Commons, where Labour MP Daniel Francis shared his personal experience. His daughter, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, relies on a changing bed for dignity and comfort. Before discovering the Changing Places map, the family had to change her in inappropriate locations, which was both stressful and embarrassing.
Francis called for further expansion of these facilities and suggested the development of a recognized entry system to prevent misuse. He emphasized that accessibility is crucial for families to feel welcome and included in their communities.
Government Support and Future Goals
The UK government has invested £30 million to increase the number of Changing Places toilets in England and Wales, while the Scottish Government has pledged £10 million for facilities to be rolled out this year. These investments reflect a growing recognition of the importance of accessible facilities for all members of society.
However, the challenge remains to ensure that these facilities are available in every community. Advocates continue to push for a future where no one has to limit their activities or miss important appointments due to the lack of accessible toilets. As the demand for these facilities grows, so too must the commitment to making public spaces truly inclusive.