The City of Canada Bay marked International Day of People with Disability in December with the opening of its first Changing Places facility at Majors Bay Reserve, Concord.
Designed for people with high support needs, the facility is equipped with an adult-sized change table, ceiling hoist, privacy screen, toilet, and shower, with a series of connecting pathways throughout the site, to further improve accessibility around the new Changing Places facility.
“Our new Changing Places facility is an important step towards making our public spaces more accessible and inclusive,” said City of Canada Bay Mayor Michael Megna.
“We want to ensure everyone has the same opportunities to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces and recreation facilities.”
“We’re included”
Local community member Adam enjoys spending time outdoors with his daughter Isabel, but they’re often limited in where they can go because many places don’t offer facilities that meet their needs.
He says the availability of a facility like a Changing Places makes all the difference.
“It makes it a lot easier for us because currently we’re restricted, and when we’re restricted, we can’t participate as much. To have a facility in the community like this means we’ve got no restrictions — we’re included,” he said.
Nicolas Fodor, spokesperson for disability service provider Participate Australia, said the lack of an accessible public toilet can cause distress for people with disability.
“Having a state-of-the-art facility like this is great — knowing that there is a place in the local community where we can come kick a ball, have a picnic and not have to worry about accessibility because it’s all already there for us,” Fodor explained.
Changing Places facilities can be accessed with a Master Locksmiths Access Key, or ‘MLAK’ key, which can be ordered via masterlocksmiths.com.au.
Community members can learn more about the Changing Places facility at bit.ly/mbrprecinct.