All cisterns go for people with multiple disabilities
Warwickshire County Council has announced support for Mencap's Changing Places, Changing Lives campaign to appeal for more fully accessible toilets for people with profound disabilities.
Many people with multiple and profound disabilities are unable to take part in activities or visit places that are taken for granted because standard accessible toilets do not meet their needs – or the needs of their carers.
Warwickshire County Council is one of a limited number of local authorities nationally to install two Changing Places toilets.
Changing Places toilets provide enough space for disabled people and their carers, and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist. Without such facilities, those with profound disabilities experience extreme discomfort, have to return home early or are reduced to being changed on the floor of standard accessible toilets.
Robert Shirley from Leamington has been so impressed by the facility at Shire Hall, that he has made a DVD with the learning disability advocacy group New Ideas to share his experiences with others.
Sharon Andrews from New Ideas Advocacy said: “Robert wanted to tell his story about his experiences of going out and about as we all love to do, but his big difficulty is the lack of toilet provision suitable for wheelchair users and people who are unable to weight bear and therefore transfer from chair to toilet.
"Robert tried out the new disabled toilet (Changing Place) at Shire Hall which has a changing bed and hoist and these met all his needs - this means he can enjoy a day out more and stay out for longer just like everyone else.”
Dr Graeme Betts, Strategic Director of Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, pledged support for the Changing Places, Changing Lives campaign.
He said: “Without these facilities, people with profound disabilities are in danger of becoming more isolated and we need to continue the campaign so people with a disability can be more independent and live fuller lives. We are proud to have provided two changing places in Warwickshire but we would urge other organisations around the county to follow suit.”
The changing places toilets are located at Shire Hall in Warwick and 23E Abbey Street, Nuneaton. All community support day services in Warwickshire also have the facilities.