In a significant move toward inclusivity, Reading Civic Offices has proudly launched a brand-new Changing Places facility, further cementing its commitment to providing accessible spaces for all members of the community. Funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUCH), this facility demonstrates the dedication to ensuring that individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as those with other physical disabilities, can access vital amenities with dignity and ease.
What is a Changing Places Facility?
Changing Places facilities are designed to meet the needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other serious impairments. Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability or their carers. Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and are equipped with a range of specialist equipment to support users.
Features of the Changing Places Facility
- The inclusion of the Astor Invincible Changing Table offers a sturdy, height-adjustable surface, ensuring the safety and comfort of users during transfers. This table is designed to withstand rigorous use while providing a pleasant experience for both users and caregivers.
- The Astor OT200 Ceiling Hoist allows for smooth and effortless transfers. This hoist is known for its versatility, featuring a compact and discreet design and user-friendly controls, making it easy for caregivers to operate, reducing the strain associated with manual lifting and increasing the safety and comfort of the person being transferred.
- The Changing Places facility also includes the ABW-CP Wash Basin, a fully adjustable basin that can be raised or lowered to suit the height of the user. The basin’s intuitive design also allows for ease of use, with accessible controls and a wide basin area to accommodate different needs such as sit to stand assistance.
To complement these core components, the facility includes a comprehensive accessory pack  and a Peninsular Toilet. This toilet is an essential feature in creating a fully accessible environment, that allows access from both sides, ensuring that all users can maintain their independence as much as possible.
A Community Commitment to Inclusion
Moreover, this initiative by Reading Civic Offices sets a new standard for other public buildings, both within the region and beyond. It serves as a model of how public spaces can be designed and equipped to be genuinely inclusive, offering dignity and independence to all users.
Moving Forward
 As more public buildings begin to incorporate Changing Places facilities, it is hoped that the number of fully accessible spaces will increase, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their physical needs, have the opportunity to engage with and enjoy public spaces. Reading Civic Offices’ new facility is a step forward in this journey, demonstrating what can be achieved when communities prioritise accessibility and inclusion. This is more than just a room with specialised equipment; it’s a vital resource that empowers individuals with disabilities, giving them the freedom and confidence to navigate public spaces with ease.
Changing Places, Changing Lives
