Kirsty calls for disabled facilities at Builth showground (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
English

Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Kirsty calls for disabled facilities at Builth showground

April 14, 2009 3:00 PM

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire has called for the Welsh Government to fund improved disabled facilities at the Builth Wells Showground.

'Changing Places toilets' are toilets with enough space for disabled people and their carers, and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist. Standard accessible toilets do not provide changing benches or hoists. Most are too small to accommodate more than one person. Without Changing Places toilets, the person with disabilities is put at risk, and families are forced to risk their own health and safety by changing their daughter or son on a toilet floor. This is dangerous, unhygienic and undignified.

Kirsty said: "It is good news that the Welsh Government has allocated £225,000 to install new changing places toilets across Wales and I very much hope that the showground in Llanelwedd can also benefit from this funding. Given the vast numbers of people that come to the site throughout the year and particularly during the Royal Welsh Show I feel this would be an invaluable service to disabled people and their carers.

"There are almost no public Changing Places toilets in the UK. Providing these toilets in public places would make a dramatic difference to the lives of thousands of people who desperately need these facilities.

"I have written to the Minister asking for her to consider the installation of such a toilet at the Builth showground."

Notes:

The Welsh Assembly Government has committed to provide £225,000 to install new changing place toilets in different places across Wales. The following nominations of suitable locations have been accepted:-
Pila Palas North Wales
Llangollen International Eisteddfod grounds
Oakwood Theme Park Pembrokeshire
National Museum Of Wales Cardiff
Museum of Welsh Life St Fagans

All nominations are now waiting approval from the Welsh Assembly Government. It is also hoped that if monies allow one may be sited at the Builth Wells Showground.

What are Changing Places toilets?

Standard disabled toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability - or their carers. Changing Places toilets are different to standard disabled toilets.

Changing Places toilets provide:

The right equipment

A height adjustable adult-sized changing bench

A tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible

Enough space

Adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers

A centrally placed toilet with room either side for the carers

A screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy

A safe and clean environment

Wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench

A large waste bin for disposable pads

A non-slip floor