Changing Places by Pressalit
Creating inclusive toilet facilities for everyone
People are different and we all have different needs. For people with complex needs or profound disabilities, this becomes particularly clear when navigating activities in the public realm and especially when using bathroom facilities.
Changing Places facilities are designed to provide dignity, safety, and comfort for individuals with complex needs as well as their carers. Unlike standard accessible restrooms, Changing Places offer the extra space and essential equipment needed for safe and hygienic toilet visits when in public.
"97% of people with profound disabilities who require help changing and toileting have faced the indignity of being changed on the floor of a public toilet."
Explore the concept
Understanding Changing Places
Learn why a Changing Places facility is important and what it is
Who & where
Read more about the people and places that benefit from Changing Places
Products & solutions
See our wide range of products and solutions for Changing Places
Regulatory compliance
Let us help you understand and comply with your local guidelines and legislation.
Step-by-step consultancy
We will help you with anything in the process from design to implementation
Let us be the experts so you don't have to be!
Understanding Changing Places
What is the problem with existing toilet facilities?
Living with a disability should not be a limitation. However, for many people it is in fact very limiting, not being able to do what everyone else does. Going to the toilet is a challenge in itself, and in many cases the only option for changing and dressing is the floor.
Or, it might be that people stay at home, if they need a hoist for changing and then, even the floor is not an option.
Challenges in standard accessible toilets
Standard accessible toilets often fail to meet the requirements of people with complex needs, leading to significant personal inconvenience and sacrifice and a lack of dignity. Many individuals are forced to endure being changed on the floor of a public restroom which is unhygienic and deeply degrading, or in the back of a car due to inadequate facilities.
- Limited space
Insufficient room for carers and essential mobility equipment - Lack of equipment
No height-adjustable changing benches or hoists for safe transfers - Loss of dignity
Being changed on the floor compromises hygiene and self-respect - Safety concerns
Unsafe manual handling, which increases risk of injuries for users and carers
How do we solve this problem?
A Changing Places solution provides fully accessible toilet facilities with specialised equipment, including a height-adjustable changing table, toilet and washbasin as well as a ceiling hoist, and ample space, ensuring dignity and independence for people with disabilities and their caregivers.
Changing Places toilets provide a safe, hygienic, and dignified solution for people with complex needs. With features like hoists, changing benches, height-adjustable sinks and toilets, and ample space, they remove the stress and indignity of inadequate facilities. For relatives and carers, these toilets offer reassurance and ease, enabling outings to be more enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.
Changing Places bathrooms transform lives
- Dignity restored
Specialised and purpose builtfacilities ensure hygiene and respect - Enhanced safety
Safe transfers reduce risk of injuries for users and carers - Increased freedom
Individuals and families can confidently plan trips and activities - Greater inclusion
Everyone can participate in everyday life without barriers.
Designing the optimal Changing Places facility
A well-designed Changing Places facility adheres to key principles of safety, usability, and comfort for the users, carers and family members. At Pressalit, our standards are set high, and we believe that the core elements of a Changing Place facility should go above and beyond and contain the following.
Core elements of a Changing Places facility
- Adult-sized height-adjustable changing table
Ensures safe and ergonomic care for users - Ceiling Hoist
Facilitates easy transfer for individuals with mobility challenges - Large height-adjustable washbasin
Creates a flexible and functional environment for both standing and seated users - Spacious layout, min. 10-12 m²
Allows room for carers, wheelchairs, and necessary equipment - Height-adjustable toilet with foldabale support arms
Provides comfort, support and accessibility - Access to water / shower
Completes the list of necessities for a full experience - Retractable privacy screen
Ensures dignity and respects privacy - Relevant accessories
Grab bars, full-size mirror, clothes hooks, paper dispenser, waste bin etc.
Explore the elements
FAQ
Do you have any other questions?
No problem. We offer professional consultancy from design to implementation.
At Pressalit, we understand that developing a Changing Place facility involves multiple phases, each requiring careful planning and execution.
Our comprehensive consultancy service ensures support at every stage, providing architects, building owners, and contractors with the expertise needed to create a space that is accessible, compliant, and user-friendly.
We are experts so you don't need to be
Changing Places moving forward
Changing Places by Pressalit
At Pressalit, we provide more than a range of high-quality, thoughtfully designed solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of Changing Places facilities; it’s a comprehensive consultancy concept designed to assist you from initial idea to a well planned implementation.
From the initial stages of planning to the final installation and beyond, Pressalit partners with you as a client to ensure that every Changing Places facility meets the highest standards of accessibility, usability, and compliance.
The consultancy service includes expert guidance on design layouts, advice on product selection, and assistance in navigating local regulations and standards.
By drawing on decades of experience and a deep understanding of user needs, Pressalit helps create functional, inclusive spaces that empower people with disabilities and their carers.
Where are Changing Places needed?
Changing Places facilities play a vital role in promoting accessibility and dignity for individuals with complex needs, offering fully equipped public restrooms that cater to users and carers. These facilities are essential in a variety of public and private settings, including:
- Shopping centres
- Tourist attractions
- Transport hubs
- Sports and leisure facilities
- Educational institutions
... and many more
Click here for an overview of relevant locations for Changing Places
Why Changing Places are important
Access to appropriate facilities is a basic right. For people with complex needs and profound disabilities, the absence of Changing Places restricts their ability to participate fully in society.
The benefits include:
- Inclusivity: Creating environments that welcome everyone, regardless of ability
- Social Impact: Promoting dignity, independence, and improved quality of life for users and their relatives
- Business value: Enhancing reputation and footfall by being a truly accessible venue
International standards, such as ISO and local accessibility guidelines, reinforce the importance of designing inclusive spaces that cater to all.
How did it all start?
Changing Places facilities are fully accessible bathrooms designed to meet the needs of individuals with profound and multiple disabilities, ensuring dignity and comfort for all.
Introduced in the UK in 2006, the Changing Places campaign responded to the lack of appropriate public toilet facilities for people who require additional space, specialised equipment, and support. These facilities typically include height-adjustable changing tables, hoists, and ample room for carers.
Today, Changing Places bathrooms have become a benchmark for accessibility, empowering individuals and their families to participate more fully in public life.
Click here to learn more about the Changing Places organisation in Australia and New Zealand
Let’s make room for people
Most public toilets for people with disabilities are unfortunately not properly equipped to cater the needs of everyone.
At Pressalit, we believe accessibility is about making room for everyone, and we’re committed to helping communities, businesses, and decision-makers create inclusive spaces.