Age Friendly Hertfordshire highlights AccessoLoo provision at Herts Pride
Hertfordshire Pride has been praised for improving accessibility at its event with the provision of an AccessoLoo mobile Changing Places facility.
Age Friendly Hertfordshire highlighted the facility after spotting it at the event, welcoming the move as an example of how events can become more inclusive.
The specialist facility was available at Herts Pride, helping to make the event more accessible for disabled visitors who may be unable to use a standard accessible toilet.
While accessible toilets are commonly provided at public events, they do not meet the needs of everyone. Some disabled people require additional space, specialist equipment or support from carers in order to use toilet and changing facilities safely and comfortably.
AccessoLoo provides a mobile Changing Places-style facility which can be brought directly to events and community spaces. Depending on the unit, facilities can include an adult-sized changing bench, a hoist, additional space for carers and equipment, and other specialist accessible features.
The provision is particularly important because inadequate toilet and changing facilities can prevent people from participating fully in events. Some visitors may have to limit the length of time they attend, leave earlier than planned or, in some cases, be unable to attend at all.
By providing an AccessoLoo, Herts Pride demonstrated that event accessibility extends beyond simply enabling people to enter a venue.
Suitable facilities can allow disabled visitors and their families or carers to stay for longer, participate more fully and enjoy the same experience as other attendees.
The initiative also highlights the role event organisers can play in considering the needs of people who require more comprehensive accessible toilet and changing provision.
With greater awareness of Changing Places facilities continuing to grow, the appearance of mobile solutions such as AccessoLoo at community events could help make more festivals, celebrations and public spaces accessible to a wider range of people across Hertfordshire and beyond.
The AA recently stated that it is supporting new electric vehicle (EV) charging-point accessibility standards being developed by national disability charity Motability in partnership with the government and others.
