Parks, leisure and the arts Public toilets in Manchester

Disabled and 'Changing Places' toilets

What are Changing Places toilets

Standard disabled toilets do not meet the needs of all disabled people – or their personal assistants.

Standard accessible toilets do not provide changing benches or hoists. Most are too small to accommodate more than one person. Without Changing Places toilets, disabled people lose their dignity and become isolated as they are unable to enjoy many public facilities non-disabled people take for granted.

Changing Places toilets are different to standard disabled toilets with extra features and more space to meet these needs.  Each Changing Places toilet provides:

The right equipment

  • a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench
  • a tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible.

Enough space

  • adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two personal assistants
  • a centrally placed toilet with room either side for personal assistants
  • a screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and personal assistants some privacy.

A safe and clean environment

  • wide tear-off paper roll to cover the bench
  • a large waste bin for disposable pads
  • a non-slip floor.

Who can use them

Recent research found that over 230,000 disabled people do not have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs. 

In practice anyone who wants to use the Changing Places toilet can do so if they wish.

Location

Both are alongside standard disabled toilets – one in the public toilet on Lloyd Street, and one on the lower ground floor in Central Library.

To use the Changing Places toilets please call 0161 234 3123.

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