New campaign helps people with disabilities

A NEW campaign has been launched to save people with disabilties from suffering the indignity of having to use toilet facilities that are not suitable for their needs. 

The Clontarf-based Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and Inclusion Ireland, alongside people with disabilities and their families, came together to launch Changing Places toilet facilities which have proved to be a life–changer for thousands of people. 

Changing Places are different to standard accessible toilet facilities in that they include a centrally located toilet with adequate space both sides for transfers/assistants; adequate place for a wheelchair user and at least two assistants; a height-adjustable adult size changing bench; and a full room coverage ceiling track hoist system.

The Changing Places Ireland Campaign is encouraging businesses, organisations and public bodies to build and fund more of these facilities. Currently, Changing Places toilet facilities are available at Aras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Airport, Trinity College Dublin, the National Gallery, Irish Human Rights Commission, IKEA Ballymun and the Lime Tree Theatre in Limerick.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, joined the Changing Places Working Group to launch the campaign in Ireland.

“I am delighted to be associated with this initiative which aims to provide those with disabilities easier access to changing place facilities,” said Minister Moran. 

“The OPW has participated in this initiative and has provided a Changing Place facility in Áras an Uachtaráin.  

“The OPW are currently carrying out appraisals at our heritage sites with viable solutions such as mobile units and permanent structures being considered.”

Minister Moran said he has been a long-term proponent of enhanced services and facilities for those with disabilities.  

“Earlier this year I announced that persons with disabilities and their carers would be able to visit OPW-managed paid visitor heritage sites for free,” he added.  

“With effect from today, this initiative becomes operational and I hope that many more persons will come to visit and enjoy some of our wonderful cultural assets.”  

Changing Places facilities need to meet a certain standard to be registered on the official Changing Places Ireland website www.changingplaces.ie which was also launched at the event. 

The website will be a valuable resource and tool for people with disabilities and their families, businesses, organisations and tourists visiting Ireland.

Paddy Connolly, chief executive of Inclusion Ireland, said: “Changing Places promote dignity, social inclusion and are crucial to achieving a good life in the community and this new website will serve as a useful resource for people to start their very own local campaign. 

“Inclusion Ireland strongly encourages people who are interested in taking action to visit changingplaces.ie to get information that will help them to push for a society that recognises persons with disabilities as equals.”