Aveso is the proud new sponsor of the Changing Places campaign, which calls for an increase in the numbers of fully accessible toilets in public places so that the people who need them can enjoy the same freedom as everyone else.
Aveso is a new joint venture between Astor-Bannerman and OpeMed which bring with them over 20 years of experience in the design, manufacture and installation of the specialist changing equipment that can be used in fully accessible toilets.
Changing Places toilets are essential for those with severe and profound learning disabilities and people with other severe disabilities, such as spinal injuries and acquired brain injuries. They are larger than a standard disabled toilet and include a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist and room for up to two carers.
Since the Changing Places campaign launched in 2006 over 450 fully accessible toilets have been registered across the UK. High profile public places to have installed these facilities include Gatwick Airport, the Eden Project and Marwell Zoo. But in many other places where Changing Places toilets are not available, carers are still forced to change their loved ones on toilet floors or limit the amount of time they spend away from home.
Aveso hope that its sponsorship and expertise in the field will help the campaign achieve its target of 1000 registered Changing Places toilets within the next three years.
James Stuart-Smith of Aveso says: “Without dedicated specialist Changing Places toilets, carers and families have to meticulously plan every single trip out and are even forced to change and care for their loved ones in highly undignified and unsuitable conditions, such as toilet floors.
“As a result, many less able people are confined to their homes. This is completely unacceptable and does not give everyone the same equal opportunities that many of us take for granted.
“We have the expertise to make the provision of a Changing Places toilet facility seamless and easy, starting with free impartial advice and continuing on through every stage of design, supply, installation and maintenance of all the items needed.”
The Changing Places Consortium, which runs the Changing Places campaign, consists of Mencap, PAMIS, Nottingham City Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, the Scottish Government and the Centre for Accessible Environments.
Loretto Lambe, director of PAMIS and co-chair of the consortium says: “The Consortium is delighted to welcome on board, Aveso, our new sponsor, and we look forward to working with them to increase the provision of changing places toilets throughout the UK. Such provision will greatly improve the quality of life for thousands of people with profound and complex disabilities.”
