A disability campaigner has proved that people do listen if asked, with the opening of a ‘first’ in Scotland.
Laura Rutherford approached Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling, explaining that without specific facilities – a Changing Places toilet- she and her son Brody couldn’t visit and spend any time there. Now, the wheelchair accessible toilet, with the space and equipment to accommodate Brody, his wheelchair, and Laura, has been opened.
Supplied and installed by the leading provider of such toilets, Closomat, the Centre’s Changing Places Toilet is 12m², and includes a peninsular WC, height adjustable washbasin, ceiling track hoist, height adjustable adult sized changing bench and privacy screen. Macrobert is the first arts centre in Scotland to offer such facilities, which compliment three conventional wheelchair accessible toilets already at the venue.
Laura Rutherford explained,
A Changing Places Toilet is the difference between being stuck at home, or having the confidence to go out, safe in the knowledge that we won’t have to leave early or change our loved one on a toilet floor. I am so grateful to Macrobert for listening and promoting access for all.
Added Elizabeth Fuller Macrobert Arts Centre venue manager,
The Centre has a commitment to being accessible and inclusive, to fit the needs of the individual as opposed to the majority. Including the Changing Places Toilet means that people who need help to go to the toilet, and their carers, can now access the whole variety of arts programming and activities that we offer.
