INDEPENDENT LIVING

These ‘disabled’ loos are useless for many

YOU would think that ‘disabled toilets” would be accessible to disabled people, wouldn’t you? But, as reported by online magazine Independent Living, the reality is even when builders follow the Building Regulations, significant numbers of disabled people cannot actually use them . . .

IHAVE been confined to a power wheelchair for just over two years.

Multiple sclerosis affects people in different ways. In my case it has gone to my legs and I cannot walk or lift my feet.

I can stand if I am able to pull myself upright out of my chair and hang onto something. While I cannot lift my feet, I can drag them into position.

ByAMY SILVERSTON

Public disabled toilets conform to the design specified in Document M of the Building Regulations. The British Standards Institute is custodian of this design, supplying it to architects etc. If a building includes a disabled toilet to this design the vital boxes are ticked.

However, the BSI did not come up with this design and no one wants to claim responsibility for it or alter it. Many people find it impossible to use.

Some months ago, I made my first excursion away from home to the Design Museum, assuming that they would have a disabled toilet par excellence.

I was very wrong. My friend, who was helping me, and I found it impossible.

We pulled the red cord, summoning a member of staff who was also unable to help. Nor did the next person she called for assistance. In the end there were six people and me in the disabled toilet trying to help me. They all gave up in the end and called a security guard who lifted plonked me back in my chair.

We had to go to the nearest hospital where at least they did have a disabled toilet, though it was very, very difficult to use – I never could have managed it on my own.

Since then I have not dared leave the house for more than three hours.

All I want is a toilet I can use on my own, just like everyone else.

Much ringing around and emails led me to Michael Gove’s levelling up ministry as being responsible for building regulations.

By the time I reached them they had begun the process of looking into how Document M could or should be changed.

The revised building regulations are due to be finalised this year and will come into use in 2023.

Had a similarly frustrating time using supposedly accessible loos?

n Does a lack of adequate

facilities make you afraid to go out? Tell us about your experiences. E-mail us at news@alltogethernow.org.uk or write to:All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP

Lifehouse Liverpool, 0151 709 0121

Access just gets worse

ALMOST 60% of disabled people believe the Covid-19 pandemic has made disabled access worse, says a new survey.

Disabled people’s biggest concerns when visiting venues are:

n People not

respecting social distancing (75%).

n People not wearing

masks (68%).

n Toilets being closed

(68%).

Information also remains key with nine out of 10 respondents saying they try to find access details before visiting somewhere new.

More than half avoided visiting a venue if no access information is shared.

Over 2,400 disabled people and their friends, families and carers took part in the survey carried out by the disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide.

nwww.euansguide.com

/AccessSurvey

Family adventure online

CHILDREN of all abilities – and their families – can now sail across the world without stepping outside their homes, thanks to a new and exciting online project.

Sea Girl is an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure experience that takes the whole family across the high seas.

Children are encouraged to help Ellen, Naomi and Tarzoon the cat, decide whether to meet turtles, explore the Caribbean or follow dolphins. The show is fully captioned.

The project was inspired by the extraordinary achievements of Laura Dekker, the youngest person to have solo travelled across the world in a sailing boat.

New Zealand-born Laura was just 14 when she set off and 16 when she completed her trip. n Book your free tickets at:

/ww.tickettailor.com/events/carbontheatre/669198

250,000250,000

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