West Midlands carers forced to change disabled loved-ones on dirty toilet floors, new Mencap research reveals

More than 20,000 people with disabilities in the West Midlands are being denied access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs, forcing carers to change disabled loved-ones on dirty toilet floors, new research1 commissioned by charity Mencap reveals today (22 June 2009).

The research found that 20,630 people in the West Midlands, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, are being denied access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs, forcing carers to change their loved-ones on dirty toilet floors or become a prisoner in their own home.

As a member of the Changing Places consortium, Mencap is calling for fully accessible toilets, known as Changing Places toilets, to be available in all big public places. There are currently only five Changing Places toilets in the West Midlands and a total of 85 in the UK. Changing Places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets and include an adjustable changing bench and a hoist to allow people to use the toilet with assistance or have their incontinence pads changed.

Rose Hunt from Hereford, mother of Jonathan who has profound and multiple learning disabilities, said: "It's disgusting lying my son down on a dirty toilet floor. But until there are more Changing Places toilets I have no other option.

"We helped to lobby for a Changing Places toilet at Leominster Leisure Centre which is fantastic but we desperately need more facilities like this. Having more Changing Places toilets in all public places would change Jonathan's life. It would mean that he could be just like anyone else and stay out with his friends longer."

Mark Goldring, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap said: "Every time a carer is forced to change a disabled family member on a dirty toilet floor is a stain on the conscience of our country.

"We need the support of the public to ensure the government makes Changing Places toilets mandatory in all new big public places. We urge the public to take a minute out of your day to sign our online petition on Mencap's website. Your help will make a huge difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens."

The learning disability charity is calling on the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to change building regulations to make Changing Places toilets mandatory in all new public places. The charity's call coincides with Learning Disability Week (22 - 28 June).

Mencap is calling for people in the West Midlands to support the Changing Places campaign for fully accessible toilets by signing an online petition which will be presented to the DCLG in October. For more information go to www.mencap.org.uk/changelives