Government Launches Consultation on introduction of Changing Places Toilets to all new Public Buildings
The government has launched a consultation ahead of proposals to ensure all new, or majorly refurbished, public buildings be fitted with Changing Places Toilets. The toilets meet the needs of many disabled people through the provision of extra space, additional but vital equipment such as height adjustable changing benches and hoists, and above all a safe and clean environment to enable disabled people to participate equally in daily activities.
There are now 1,305 Changing Places facilities in the UK, however many more are required to meet the needs of disabled people. The government proposal should introduce approximately 150 new facilities a year. This is on top of a recent announcement by the Department for Transport of a £2m fund for Changing Places to be installed in motorway service stations, and a similar amount through the Department of Health to install them in 100 hospitals.
Disability Rights UK Ambassador Stephen Brookes has long championed the introduction of Changing Places across the UK's rail network. Stephen said "I'm pleased to see an increasing awareness of the importance of creating changing place facilities in public buildings and in particular across all aspects of transport.
“Many Rail companies and Network Rail are working closely with disabled people to ensure that everyone can travel by rail with a full range of services available and the provision of changing places facilities is a major and welcome step forward.”
To read more about the consultation, or contribute to it, click here. To find your nearest Changing Places, click here. To purchase a RADAR key, which opens more than 9,000 basic disabled toilet facilities across the UK, click here.