Mélange Accessibility for All Magazine April 2023 | Page 40

with adjustable height , everything within easy reach and a privacy screen around the toilet . These are the first rooms to consider the carer ’ s needs as well .
Asset owners : If there are three shopping malls and only one has a Changing Places room , people like me are going to shop there and be able to stay longer .
How do you measure the impact of your fully accessible public bathrooms ?
Jenn : If a room has been used three times in a month , that ' s a win . That ' s three times that somebody like me , with someone like Charley , was able to care for them in a safe and dignified way .
How do I measure the success ? By being safe in the knowledge that Changing Places gives those that need these rooms the confidence to leave their houses . Even if they don ’ t use the room , they know they can .
How can people support Changing Places ?
Jenn : Share our Facebook page and website and invite us to [ give ] speeches to community groups . Suggest that we present to accessibility advisors , local government , businesses or at conferences . Help us not be quite so invisible . Or donate money , as we are not government funded like elsewhere in the world .
How do you envision the future of your charity and the role it will play in improving the lives of people with disabilities ?
Jenn : Our aim is to have Changing Places bathrooms within ten minutes ’ drive of each other across the country . This would give everyone real equity and freedom to participate in communities .
40 Accessibilty for All