Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing, has written to Scottish charity PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) to confirm that he intends to introduce Changing Places toilets into Scottish building regulations for certain types of new buildings. These include: large enclosed shopping centres (30,000 m² and above); hospitals; leisure centres (particularly swimming pools); large stadia and arenas; and future-proofing schools.  Unlike a toilet for disabled users, a Changing Places toilet has extra room for two carers and a wheelchair, a hoist and tracking system and an adult changing bench.

 

The details of this proposal will be worked through by the Scottish Government, with the support of a review group, and will include a public consultation, impact assessments and changes to legislation and guidance. This process is expected to take between 2 and 2.5 years to complete.

PAMIS is the only organisation that works solely for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their family carers to ensure they have access to healthy, valued and included lives. We support families, practitioners and communities through education, research, development of inclusive practice, campaigns and input into local and national policy development. We have also worked  closely  with  the  Scottish  Government  on  the  development  of  policy  and practice.   This   work   includes   representation   on   government   committees,   responding   to consultation exercises, and campaigning on key issues.

As co-founders of the Changing Places campaign and members of the Changing Places Consortium, PAMIS have been campaigning tirelessly to the Scottish Government to make the changes to Building Standards necessary to see an increase in the number of these facilities across Scotland. They, and many of the family carers across Scotland, have been highlighting how this will improve the lives of thousands of families who are severely restricted by a lack of facilities and as a result find themselves excluded from their communities and travel. There are currently 167 Changing Places facilities across Scotland.

 

Quote from Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing

“Changing Places toilets bring great benefits and an increased accessibility to many people with disabilities, their families and carers. I am happy that we can support their availability through changes to our building standards system.”

Quote from Fiona Souter, Information and Inclusive Communities Director:

“PAMIS welcome the Scottish Government’s proposals to review and strengthen the Scottish Building Standards systems to support the expansion of Changing Places toilet provision across Scotland. Having access to a Changing Places toilet is fundamentally life changing for so many families  and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders over the coming months to achieve these changes and make Scotland a truly accessible and inclusive country for all.”