Inclusive Ferries Project – Calmac network

PAMIS are working alongside CalMac Ferries to assess and improve toilet provision in a new project focused on improving ferry travel for people with complex disabilities. We are specifically interested in access to Changing Places toilets across the CalMac network. Read on to find out more about how you can get involved.

What is the Inclusive Ferries project?

PAMIS are keen to engage with local communities across the CalMac ferry network over the next few weeks to find out more about the toilet facilities that are available and any specific challenges people with complex needs are facing in relation to appropriate toilet provision. We want to work with communities to improve access to Changing Places toilets and ferry travel.

What are Changing Places toilets?

Over ¼ million people in the UK cannot use disabled toilets and require Changing Places toilets which are larger and include an adult sized changing bench and ceiling track hoist. There are only 220 of these toilets in Scotland and more are desperately required.

Get involved!

If you are a venue, business, organisation or community group based on the mainland or island served by CalMac ferries and are looking for advice about how to make your premises or building more accessible for people with complex disabilities we are able to offer expert information and support. If you require access to Changing Places toilets yourself or are supporting a family member who requires these facilities, we want to connect with you to find out more.

Join us for a virtual engagement event 

Find out more about the work we are doing around Changing Places toilets and ferry travel by coming along to one of our online discussion groups.  We would love to hear more about what is going on in your area and find out if there are particular challenges as well as potential opportunities to improve access to Changing Places toilets. We meet on Zoom which is an online meeting website. To join the conversation please contact Fiona Souter on [email protected] to express an interest and we will send you more information.

Who are PAMIS?

PAMIS (Promoting a More Inclusive Society) are a registered charity and the only organisation in Scotland that works solely with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), their families and professionals. We have over 28 years of experience in delivering family support services, learning and development resources, digital passports, sporting and leisure opportunities, specialist training courses and more. PAMIS founded the Changing Places toilet consortium which supports the development of toilet provision across the UK. We are part of the National Transport Accessibility steering group and are passionate about improving access to public transport for all.