What are Changing Places Toilets?
Kerry has a form of Muscular Dystrophy and needs access to Changing Places toilets. She writes a blog about living with her disability. Below, Kerry explains the importance of Changing Places toilets in her life.
"Theses days just wheeling out the door has a check list of "have we got everything before we leave?" This process reminds me of a new mum packing half the house while muttering away at the baby "We’ll take this just in case…" That pretty much sums up my life!
When you're planning a lunch or evening out with your friends, is your first thought "Will have to restrict how much I’m going to drink in case the toilets aren’t equipped with everything I need?" "Will the only option be to hold it in until I go home?"
Unfortunately, around 250,000 disabled people have this worry every time they leave their home. Some people don’t even leave their house in fear of having that embarrassing moment! I’m lucky that most of the time I venture out with my hubby. However, there are occasions when I’m with my girlfriends and I have to watch how much I drink.
Many disabled toilets in the UK are unequipped. If you need a hoist, forget it!! Some toilets are just too small to even fit a wheelchair. And forget trying to adjust your clothes. If you're capable of transferring yourself, try doing that when the toilet is too low. The rails are rarely accessible and the baby changing tables have a habit of being in the way of using the rails.
We need changing places toilets! People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs are met by Changing Places toilets.
Each Changing Places toilet provides:
1. The right equpment
-Height adjustable changing bench
-Tracking hoist system or a mobile hoist
2. Adequate space
-Enough space in the changing area should allow for the disabled person and up to two carers
-Centrally placed toilet with room on either side for the carers
-Screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy
3. Safe & clean environment
-Wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
-Large waste bin for disposable pads
-Non-slip floor
There are an estimated 70,000 people living with a form of Muscular Dystrophy in the UK. Can you imagine how many others a campaign for Changing Places toilets would help? We all know someone that is disabled or has a disabled child.
Give them your support. To support and raise awareness of the need for Changing Places toilets, Muscular Dystrophy UK, join the #FitToBurst campaign & click here to learn more."
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