Ministers have now confirmed that all new buildings in England will be required to include toilets that have been specifically designed or adapted to meet the needs to severely disabled people, meaning that an easy access toilet should be less difficult to find.
According to a campaign by Changing Places, at least 250,000 people in the UK are unable to use standard toilets because they have insufficient facilities, such as benches or hoists, to support severely disabled people, or the room or cubicle is simply too small to accommodate carers to assist them.
Campaigners have spoken out about the lack of appropriate facilities, calling it “dangerous, unhygienic and undignified” and stating that the inadequate facilities mean that some disabled people often feel restricted when it comes to leaving their homes.
The government announcement
This month, the government announced that the inclusion of Changing Places toilets would be compulsory in public buildings with a capacity of more than 350 people from January 2021.
Housing minister Lord Greenhalgh said: “We are making the installation of these toilets compulsory in hundreds of new public buildings in years to come to help bring major, life-enhancing freedoms to the more than 250,000 people who need them.”
On top of the changes to building legislation, more funding will be made available to install Changing Places toilets at 37 motorway service stations.
The campaign and support
James Taylor, executive director of strategy, impact and social change at disability equality charity Scope, stated how building accessibility from the start makes it much easier to design buildings that everyone can use.
Of the announcement, he said: “This is welcome news for many disabled people and their families, whose needs are too often forgotten.”
Rob Burley, Director of Campaigns, Care and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “This is huge news for the 250,000 people in the UK who need Changing Places toilets. Having access to these much-needed facilities increases independence and improves quality of life.”
Accessibility in your home
While this announcement is positive news for severely disabled people being out and about, what’s also important is that everybody has the bathroom facilities they need in their own home, too.
At Absolute Mobility, they have all the options for a disabled toilet to offer assistance and convenience, making bathroom visits easy, safe and comfortable.
They have a range of products available, such as the Closomat Toilet; the ultimate total hygiene solution. It has a sleek, modern design, and combines all the features of a standard toilet, but with built-in douching and warm air drying.
You’ve also got the Mountway Solo automatic toilet seat lifter; a battery operated seat that comes with hand-held or foot-controlled pads that help you to get on and off the toilet easily and safely, giving you total independence and peace of mind.
Absolute Mobility are here to help
Whatever level of change you want to your bathroom or easy access toilet, Absolute Mobility can project manage your new bathroom from design to installation, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Contact Absolute Mobility today for help and advice and the best possible price.