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.

"Studies have shown that 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."

- Andrew Lowndes, UK Sales Manager for Pressalit

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!

What is the problem with existing toilets?

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 most cases the only option for changing and dressing is the floor!

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?

The answer is Changing Places toilets. Changing Places offer fully accessible facilities with specialised equipment like ceiling hoists, height-adjustable changing tables, sinks, and toilets as well as ample space and shower opportunities. They provide a safe, hygienic, and dignified solution for people with complex needs, ensuring comfort and ease for both users and carers while making outings more inclusive.

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Changing Places toilets transform lives

  • Dignity restored
    Proper facilities 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

Contact us for more information

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.

See our accessible solutions for Changing Places

Explore the elements

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Changing Places and standard accessible restrooms?

A: Changing Places include essential equipment like a height-adjustable changing table, ceiling hoist, and larger spaces to accommodate caregivers, which are not typically found in standard accessible restrooms. Furthermore, a height-adjustable toilet and washbasin and a shower area adds to the comfort and safety of the changing experience.

Q: How much space is required for a Changing Places facility?

A: A typical facility requires at least 12m² to ensure comfort and accessibility.

Q: How can businesses fund a Changing Places installation?

A: Funding options may include government grants, accessibility incentives, and partnerships with local organisations.

Q: What is the return on investment for installing Changing Places?

A: Beyond ethical and societal benefits, businesses often experience increased foot traffic, customer satisfaction, and enhanced reputation as inclusive venues.

Do you have any other questions?

No problem. We offer professional consultancy from design to implementation.

At Pressalit, we understand that developing a Changing Places facility involves multiple phases, each requiring careful planning and execution that complies with relevant standards and recommendations.

Our comprehensive consultancy service ensures support at every stage, providing any decision maker, architect, building owner, and contractor 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.

Contact us for a quote or advice

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.

Learn more about our step by step consultancy

Contact us here

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

According to WHO, an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide experience signifcant disability. Access to appropriate facilities is one of the human rights recognised by the UN and Changing Places are crucial for ensuring dignity, inclusion and the ability to participate in social life on equal terms.

The benefits of Changing Places 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.

Who benefits from Changing Places

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 campaign in the UK

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.

Contact us here