Both Falkirk Area Disability Access Panel (FADAP) and Renfrewshire Access Panel (RAP) are leading the way amongst Access Panels in the Campaign for Changing Places Toilets.

Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability.  People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. Changing Places toilets meet these needs.  They come fully equipped with a hoist, changing bed and peninsular toilet plus the space and items needed to properly change and care for someone with profound and multiple disabilities.

Renfrewshire Access Panel has managed to get agreement from Renfrewshire Council for ten new Changing Places toilets over the next 5 years with the first two coming this year.  FADAP has also managed to secure agreement from Falkirk Council for a new Changing Places toilet in the Howgate shopping centre, with work due to start soon.

Access Panels can play an important role in developing the network of Changing Places toilets.  Everyone has the right to be able to go to the toilet in dignity.

The requirements of a Changing Places Toilet as in the British Standards: BS8300:2009 are

  • adequate space for a disabled person when they are not in their wheelchair, their wheelchair and one or two carers – 12sqm (3m x 4m)
  • an adult sized, height adjustable changing bench, wall mounted or free standing
  • a ceiling tracking or a mobile hoist
  • a peninsular (centrally placed) toilet
  • a privacy screen or curtain
  • a large bin for pads
  • an emergency alarm
  • a paper roll
  • a non-slip floor

If you’d like to find out where your nearest Changing Places toilet is then click on the link below.  It will take you to a map of all the Changing Places toilets across the United Kingdom.

http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org