Mary, You are quite right about this, and the Pamis video is really
good - very informative. We are working closely with several user
groups, including Pamis, who would benefit hugely from an adult
changing bench. You would not believe the stories we've been told, We
have some 'personas' available if you are interested. Examples of
good facilities with a bench are at Milton Keynes shopping centre and
I believe there is one at the Baltic in Newcastle as well. However, I
have to say that there are issues to do with safety of the equipment
in use, and ensuring that it is used properly and not vandalised,
which has put some organisations off installing an adjustable adult
changing bench. The facility would probably need to be attended ( or
have restricted access) and this adds to the costs. But we are, from
a user perspective, very keep for each regional shopping centre,
major transport interchange and town centre, as well as all
facilities with a high footfall of disabled older children and adults
(Alton Towers for example) to have one. My own daughter works with
children with a wide range of special needs, and this would make her
outings more viable with parties of kids. If you contact Diana
Twichin at ITAAL, Is There An Accessible Loo? (they have a website)
they are running a survey with their membership right now that has
questions on the need for a bench. The trouble is, we don't have
accurate figures for the population that would benefit, as it is a
cross disability facility. Hope this helps, Julienne
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