40. The availability of accessible toilets is a vital part of providing for the needs of those with disabilities. The lack of accessible facilities will deter some disabled visitors from attending an event.
41. Accessible facilities should be provided for both audiences and the workforce.
42. Accessible toilets should follow the guidance of Approved Document M- Volume 2, Section 5.
43. Changing Places are required for people who require support when using the toilet. Without this provision, some disabled people will be unable to access toilets. Learn more about Changing Places on their website.
44. Accessible facilities must be kept clean and must not be used as storage areas.
45. Some people may require sterile spaces for self-treatment.
46. Consideration should also be given, particularly on festival sites, to consider providing private clean spaces (such as on an accessible campsite) if it’s not possible to provide a changing space.
47. Organisers should be even more mindful of cleaning schedules in accessible spaces.
48. Ideally, accessible toilets should be unlocked and easy to access. However, if there is a risk they may be mis-used, it may be necessary to provide a key code, radar key or access control to ensure they stay clean and available for those who need them.
49. It is important to ensure that accessible toilets and changing places are clearly marked on the event plan.
50. Accessible toilets come in a variety of unit styles, and it is important to understand their limitations. For instance, accessible portaloos are not accessible for some disabled people. Also, some accessible toilet units have foot-controlled toilet flushes or hand wash sinks that cannot be used by many wheelchair users.
51. The layout of the units is important to ensure sufficient space is allowed for larger power chair users to transfer from their chair to the toilet while the door is closed and locked.
52. When booking toilets, consider the requirements of accessible people and, where possible, use plumbed-in units.