It started as a national campaign in 2015, and Changing Places, a project that delivered bathrooms with a tracking hoist system, height-adjustable changing tables and lots of space in public places including airports, is gathering momentum.
There are currently 213 Changing Places facilities across Australia, with 15 in Western Australia and 18 in Victoria being funded now. There are also facilities at all mainland capital airports, with a regional airport recently opened in Rockhampton, Queensland.
Federal Government funding over the next four years is intended to build a facility in every Local Government area that does not have one, with potentially 400 additional facilities.
Gary Elliott managing director of travel group Leisure Options began advocating for Changing Places at major airports in 2014. He has since relinquished this job but the convenience of having access to these facilities continues to play an important role for the company when it comes to organising holidays and tours.
“We have a master security key that allows people with physical or intellectual disabilities access to the Changing Spaces facilities. When these facilities first opened, they were used by everyone which was not their purpose.”
He said there were challenges taking people on trips previously which meant those who required a hoist were restricted with their travel options.
“We have a changing places access key (MLAK Key), modified vehicles and use maps to find where changing facilities are located and organise a holiday route to suit.
“There is a big demand for holidays and of our 60 group holidays each year approximately 10 of these are for people who require the use of hoists. As we can only take one or two people at a time, because of staff and vehicle requirements, these holidays fill up well in advance and are booked out until December 2023
“It is not just about us, but letting people know that these facilities do exist which are a necessary resource for so many. More people are travelling now and the confidence to know they can travel and maintain their dignity by accessing appropriate toilet facilities makes a huge difference,” Elliott said.
Changing Places Awareness Day was held on July 19.
To find the nearest Changing Places visit: www.changingplaces.org.au/find-a-toilet or to find information on building facility visit: https://changingplaces.orga.au/build-a-toilet
Photo: Australia Zoo