Hi everyone. I wondered if we could have a discussion about these facilities? I have been looking at Space to Change as many places find it impossible to either afford or make the space for a full CP facility. Whilst AD M and BS8300 give an indication of the type of scenarios where a CP facility is desirable, many smaller organisations other than those defined in the guidance, are, in my experience, being asked to put them in and, with the best will in the world, are struggling to know how to respond to this demand in a reasonable way. The Space to Change (http://www.clos-o-mat.com/index.php/away-from-home/space-to-change.html) information on the ClosoMat website states:
"Space To Change toilets bridge the gap between typical ‘Document M’ accessible toilets and the ultimate, a Changing Places facility (see our Changing Places section).
A Space To Change toilet is meant as a minor upgrade/ refurbishment, to overcome the issues campaigners consistently face when asking for Changing Places: issues of space and cost. Legally providers have to offer at least a wheelchair-accessible toilet*, all they need to do is add into that an adult-sized changing bench and hoist."
However, this, I think, minimises some of the issues. Most accessible toilets are not 3m x 2.5m and, if they are, it is not a question of simply adding a changing bench and hoist. The basin is in the wrong position for people to be able to wash and dry their hands from the loo (if this is also a unisex accessible loo) and I'm not convinced that the hinged rails are designed to be pulled sideways if you're doing a sideways transfer from a wheelchair.
I wondered if people had any thoughts on this as I think a lot of organisations would like to do something to facilitate adult/child changing but are struggling with this.
Kind regards
Jan
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