Changing Places movement spreads to US following strong activity in the UK
Having gained considerable momentum across the UK, the Changing Places concept has spread to the US after a Chicago airport recently installed a Changing Places facility for the first time in the country.
The accessible toilet was installed inside Terminal 2 of the O’Hare International Airport after Chicago recently formed the Airport Advisory Committee to address the accessibility challenges disabled people face within the airport.
As seen in the Chicago Sun Times, airport officials have branded the new Changing Places facility as the most accessible airport toilet in the country.
Changing Places has recently received a lot of attention in the UK, with the UK Government recently announcing proposals to make Changing Places toilets a mandatory requirement in all new, large, publicly-accessible buildings and significant redevelopments.
O’Hare International Airport’s new 110-square-foot facility contains an adjustable changing table for adults; a passenger lift system; an accessible, roll-in and transfer shower; and an accessible toilet and sink. It also incorporates a motorised passenger lift with detachable sling and ample space for movement.
Sabrina Kimball, Founder and CEO of Universal Changing Places, has said she hopes the idea catches in other airports throughout the U.S.
She commented: “I’m excited to see what’s happening in Chicago. I hope it is something other airports will embrace as well, and that we can get past any liability issues to [focus on] what is needed for people.”