Celebrating Disabled Access Day: Raising Awareness for Changing Places Toilets

Disabled Access Day takes place annually on March 16th, celebrating accessibility and raising awareness about the importance of inclusive access for all. It’s a day that encourages meaningful conversations between disabled individuals, businesses, and venues to help create more inclusive spaces.

This year, we’re using Disabled Access Day as an opportunity to focus on a crucial issue: Changing Places Toilets.

What Are Changing Places Toilets?

Changing Places Toilets are essential for over a quarter of a million disabled people in the UK, as well as their carers and families. These facilities ensure that individuals can meet their toileting needs in a safe, dignified, and hygienic environment. There are over 2,500 Changing Places Toilets across the UK, thanks to the tireless efforts of campaigners, changes in building regulations, and the work of the Changing Places Toilet Consortium.

While the number of these life-changing facilities has been increasing, there are still not enough. Without access to these vital facilities, many disabled people and their families are forced to face difficult choices: stay home, cut outings short, use unsafe or undignified places to change, restrict fluid intake, or, in some cases, use a catheter when they wouldn't need one with the proper facilities.

How You Can Make a Difference

You can help raise awareness of the Changing Places Toilets campaign by taking a few simple actions:

Reach out to venues: Encourage them to install a Changing Places Toilet.
Contact your local MP: Advocate for more inclusive facilities in your area.
Get in touch with your local authority: Help influence policies that support accessibility.
Share our message: Help spread the word by sharing our posts on social media.
Share your personal story: Your experiences can make a powerful impact in raising awareness.

We’ve created a campaigner toolkit on our website to help guide you. You can also contact us on social media or email us at changingplaces@pamis.org.uk for free advice and support.

Stay Connected

Let’s Make All Venues IncLOOsive!

This Disabled Access Day, we are calling for all venues to be incLOOsive — a place where everyone’s toileting needs are considered, and everyone can visit with confidence. Let’s work together to ensure that no one is left behind.