At Astor Bannerman, we are proud to have contributed to the creation of an inclusive environment at Manchester Museum by supplying essential equipment for their Changing Places facility. Our products help ensure that people with complex care needs can fully participate in the museum’s offerings. This case study explores how our equipment has been integrated into the facility and the museum’s role in making cultural spaces more accessible to all.
About Manchester Museum
Located at the heart of the University of Manchester, Manchester Museum is a hub of cultural exploration, showcasing an eclectic range of exhibits from natural history to anthropology. With over 4.5 million objects in its collection, it offers a rich educational experience for visitors of all ages. Key highlights include the vivarium, home to rare and endangered amphibians, and a breathtaking Egyptian exhibition featuring ancient artefacts, including the well-known Asru mummy. The museum is committed to inclusivity and aims to provide spaces that cater to visitors of all abilities.
The Changing Places Toilet Facility
Manchester Museum has gone a step further in its commitment to accessibility by installing a Changing Places facility, located on the ground floor near the main entrance. These facilities are specifically designed for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities or physical disabilities, who may require extra equipment and space for changing. For many, standard accessible toilets simply do not meet their needs.
The Changing Places facility at Manchester Museum is equipped with a range of high-quality, user-friendly products from Astor Bannerman.
Astor CTX2 Height Adjustable Changing Table
The Astor CTX2 is an adjustable changing table that provides a safe, comfortable surface for individuals requiring assistance. With easy-to-use height adjustment, carers can lower or raise the table to suit their needs, reducing the risk of injury from manual handling. The table is designed with smooth, hygienic surfaces, making it quick to clean between uses.Â
An essential piece of equipment for transferring individuals from a wheelchair to the changing table with minimal physical effort. Its discreet design allows it to blend seamlessly into the room while delivering maximum functionality. The OT200 is not only reliable and easy to operate but also offers a smooth, stable lifting experience for the user, making transfers safer and more dignified.
ABW6 Height Adjustable Wash Basin
The ABW6 wash basin adds another layer of flexibility to the Changing Places facility. The height-adjustable basin can be easily positioned to suit different users, providing a comfortable experience for individuals and their carers. With an intuitive design, the basin ensures ease of access to water, further enhancing the practical aspects of personal care within the space.
Conclusion
By integrating our equipment, Manchester Museum has created an inclusive space where individuals with complex care needs can fully enjoy their visit. The Changing Places facility ensures that every visitor, regardless of their mobility or care requirements, can access the museum’s resources with dignity and ease. We are delighted that our equipment helps achieve Manchester Museum’s goal of inclusivity, and we remain committed to providing essential solutions to enable greater accessibility in public spaces.
Changing Places, Changing Lives
