Scotland’s first purpose-built Arts Centre is continuing its pioneering tradition by becoming the first such venue in the region to open its doors fully to people with disabilities, and their carers.
Macrobert Arts Centre, at the heart of University of Stirling, has opened a Changing Places toilet, supplied and installed by Closomat. It is believed to be the first Arts Centre in Scotland to have such a facility.
Complimenting the three existing wheelchair-accessible toilets already at Macrobert, the Changing Places toilet offers more space (12m2) to accommodate the user and up to two carers, and additional equipment, including a ceiling track hoist to help lifting and transfer, an adult sized height adjustable changing bench, height adjustable washbasin, peninsular toilet to enable assistance from either side, and a privacy screen.
“The Centre has a commitment to being accessible and inclusive, to fit the needs of the individual as opposed to the majority,” explained Elizabeth Fuller, Macrobert Arts Centre’s venue manager. “Changing Places Toilets campaigner Laura Rutherford asked about including one of the toilet facilities, so she and her son Brody could access the whole variety of arts programming and activities that we offer.”
Added Laura Rutherford, “Elizabeth instantly understood the difference a Changing Places Toilet would make to me, Brody and the thousands of other disabled people, and their carers, who need additional support with intimate hygiene. A Changing Places Toilet is the difference between being stuck at home, or having the confidence to go out. I am so grateful to the Macrobert for listening and promoting access for all.”
Under Building Regulations and British Standards, a Changing Places toilet is ‘desirable’ in buildings to which numbers of the public have access. Since their introduction a decade ago, 1000 have been opened across the UK.
Closomat is Britain’s leading provider of helpful toileting solutions, at home and away, including Changing Places toilets. Uniquely, the company can provide an in-house, ‘one- stop-shop’ complete package for ‘away from home’ assisted accessible toilet facilities, from design and commissioning, through to project management, supply and installation, and can also provide subsequent maintenance and repair.
Its website www.clos-o-mat.com is the most comprehensive resource available about Changing Places toilets for campaigners, providers and specifiers alike, with a raft of support information including white papers, calling cards, CAD blocks, NBS specifications, video and case studies.
