In recent years, Scotland has taken bold steps to become more inclusive, especially for people with complex and profound disabilities. One significant stride has been the expansion of Scotland’s Changing Places toilets. These specialised facilities are not just conveniences, they are lifelines for thousands of individuals who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
The government’s continued investment in Changing Places reflects a deep commitment to dignity, inclusion, and equality. Here’s how.
What Are Changing Places Toilets?
Changing Places Toilets are designed for individuals with multiple and complex disabilities who require additional space, equipment, and assistance to use the toilet safely and comfortably. Unlike standard accessible toilets, Changing Places include a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, a peninsular toilet (accessible from both sides), and enough space for two carers.
These facilities meet the needs of individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, and severe spinal injuries. For those with such disabilities, standard toilets are often entirely unusable, forcing them and their carers to resort to undignified, unsafe, or unhygienic alternatives.
Scotland’s Changing Places Expansion: A Game-Changer
Scotland’s Changing Places network has been growing steadily, but recent government funding and initiatives have accelerated this progress. In 2021, the Scottish Government pledged significant financial support to help local authorities, businesses, and public venues install more Changing Places toilets across the country. This included a £10 million investment as part of the wider commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion.
The expansion has prioritised key public locations, such as:
- Tourist destinations
- Sports stadiums
- Shopping centres
- Cultural venues
- Travel hubs (airports, train stations, service areas)
This initiative has already led to dozens of new facilities opening in both urban centres and rural communities, ensuring more equitable access across Scotland.
Why This Matters: Real Benefits for Real People
The significance of Scotland’s Changing Places expansion cannot be overstated. For many families, especially those with disabled children or adults requiring 24/7 care, the presence or absence of such a facility determines whether they can leave the house at all.
Here’s how this initiative is making a real difference:
- Freedom and independence: Families and individuals with complex disabilities can now travel, socialise, and participate in public life without fear of being unable to find a suitable toilet.
- Dignity and safety: Proper equipment, such as hoists and changing benches, removes the need for undignified situations like being changed on a toilet floor.
- Inclusion and equity: Expanding Changing Places is about more than toilets; it is about ensuring that every member of society has equal access to public life.
- Support for carers: With better facilities, carers can do their job safely, reducing the physical and emotional toll of inadequate support infrastructure.
The Bigger Picture: An Inclusive Scotland
By prioritising the expansion of Changing Places toilets, Scotland is leading by example. It demonstrates that accessibility is not a luxury, but a right. This commitment signals a cultural shift in how we view public spaces, no longer designed only for the “average” user but for everyone, regardless of ability.
It also sends a powerful message: that people with complex needs should not be hidden away or excluded from everyday life. Their inclusion enriches communities and reflects a society that values empathy, equality, and justice.
Conclusion
The expansion of Scotland’s Changing Places facilities is more than a public health improvement; it’s a societal milestone. It reflects a Scotland striving to be truly inclusive, where people of all abilities can live with dignity and freedom.
Continued investment, public awareness, and thoughtful implementation are essential to ensuring this progress continues and reaches every corner of the country.
Want to Bring a Changing Places Toilet to Your Venue? Funding is Now Open
The Scottish Government’s £10 million Changing Places Toilets Fund is now open to support new installations across Scotland. If your venue serves the public and currently lacks a fully accessible toilet, you could be eligible for funding—covering both project and development costs. At Innova, we can help with every step of the process, from design to installation and application support.
Fill out the form below to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Changing Places toilets?
Changing Places toilets are fully accessible facilities designed for people with complex disabilities. They include equipment such as a hoist, a changing bench, and extra space for carers.
2. Why is Scotland expanding Changing Places toilets?
The expansion is part of Scotland’s broader commitment to inclusion, aiming to improve accessibility in public spaces for individuals with profound and multiple disabilities.
3. Who benefits from Changing Places toilets?
People with complex physical or learning disabilities and their carers benefit most. These facilities allow them to safely and comfortably use public toilets, which standard accessible toilets cannot accommodate.
4. Where can I find a Changing Places toilet in Scotland?
Locations are listed on the official Changing Places website and mobile apps, with facilities in shopping centres, transport hubs, tourist attractions, and more across Scotland.
5. How can I support the Changing Places movement?
You can raise awareness, advocate for local installations, support fundraising efforts, and encourage businesses and public venues to install these essential facilities.
