A theme park for everyone
For most families, a trip to a theme park is all about excitement and anticipation. Which rides should we go on? What do we want to do while we’re there?
For Henriette and Michael, the planning starts somewhere very different: Will their son Simon be able to use the toilet?
Simon has significant physical and cognitive disabilities and needs more space and specialist equipment than a standard accessible toilet can provide. Something most of us take for granted can therefore determine whether the family is able to make the trip at all.
By installing a fully equipped Changing Place, Fårup Sommerland has removed that barrier – taking another important step towards its ambition of being a theme park for everyone.
When toilet facilities determine whether a day out is possible
Simon Rolighed has a rare genetic disorder that has resulted in severe epilepsy as well as significant physical and cognitive disabilities. As a result, daily life for the family revolves around his needs.
When the family plans a day out, there is much more to consider than transport, accessibility and activities. Henriette and Michael also need to know where Simon can use the toilet and whether the facilities he needs will be available.
A standard accessible toilet is not necessarily enough. Simon needs specialist equipment and sufficient space around him so that his family can assist him safely and with dignity.
Previous experiences have meant that the family has avoided theme parks altogether. When suitable facilities have not been available, Henriette has even had to bring a padded mat that, as a last resort, could be placed on the floor of an accessible toilet so that Simon could be changed.
"There is a real sense of dignity in being able to do this calmly and privately, with plenty of space and everything we need. It gives us freedom and peace of mind – absolutely."
The right facilities make all the difference
For Simon and his family, knowing that the right facilities are available makes a very real difference. They no longer need to resort to makeshift solutions during their visit or allow practical concerns to overshadow the day itself.
Instead, they can simply enjoy the day together – spending time as a family, having fun and making memories.
For Henriette and Michael, it removes a barrier that has previously caused the family to stay at home. They can spend their energy on what really matters to them: enjoying experiences together as a family.
"Even though it takes us a couple of hours to drive here, this is definitely somewhere we will visit. In fact, the lack of these facilities is exactly what has stopped us from visiting many other theme parks."
More than a standard accessible toilet
A Changing Place goes beyond the facilities provided by a standard accessible toilet. It is designed for people whose needs cannot be met by conventional accessible facilities, providing both the additional space and specialist equipment they require.
A fully equipped Changing Place will typically include:
a ceiling hoist
a height-adjustable shower and changing table
a height-adjustable toilet with support arms
a height-adjustable washbasin
space for a wheelchair user and carers
Together, these facilities enable people with more complex needs to use the toilet safely, comfortably and with dignity – including those who require assistance.
Fårup Sommerland wants to be a place for everyone
Fårup Sommerland wants to welcome as many guests as possible, whatever their needs.
The park already has rides that can be enjoyed by wheelchair users. But genuine accessibility is about more than being able to enter the park or go on a ride. The entire visit needs to work for everyone in the family.
That is why Fårup Sommerland wanted to upgrade its toilet facilities to accommodate guests with more complex needs. This led to the installation of a fully equipped Changing Place from Pressalit.
Because accessibility is not simply about being able to get through the gates. It is about being able to take part.
"We welcome all kinds of guests to the park, and it is extremely important to us that we can also welcome people who have additional needs during their visit. We realised that we needed to go further and provide facilities at a completely different level."
A complete solution, considered from the outset
Pressalit became involved at an early stage, enabling us to advise Fårup Sommerland on the layout of the room, the choice of products and the needs of the people who would use the new Changing Place.
By considering the room as a complete solution from the outset, the layout and equipment could be designed to work together – creating a space that works in practice for both users and carers.
That is particularly important in a busy theme park, where the equipment not only needs to accommodate a wide range of user needs, but must also be robust and reliable throughout a busy season.
For Fårup Sommerland, Pressalit provided more than the products themselves. We worked closely with the team throughout the process, from planning the room to selecting the right solutions.
“What was important for us in finding the right solution was finding someone who could offer the complete package and deliver a fully integrated solution. A Changing Place from Pressalit certainly does that.”
A small part of the park. A big difference for one family.
For Fårup Sommerland, a Changing Place is just one part of a large theme park. For Simon and his family, it can be the difference between being able to enjoy a day out together – and not being able to go at all.
When accessibility is considered as part of the whole experience, more people are able to take part – and more families are able to share the moments that matter to them.
Because ultimately, accessibility is about more than having the right facilities. It is about being able to enjoy days out, spend time together and come home with memories.
“Having these facilities at Fårup Sommerland means that going on a family day out is genuinely possible for us. We can have experiences together and create memories as a family. That means an enormous amount to us as parents, especially because we know that our time with Simon is precious.”
Are you planning a Changing Place?
Whether you are working on a new build, renovation or adaptation of existing facilities, Pressalit can help you find the right Changing Places solution. We provide guidance on layout, space requirements and product selection based on the specific requirements of your project and the needs of its users.
