Next up as part of our Weeks of Action Changing Places awareness day is Leroy Binns who works for Mencap focusing on Changing Places at sports stadia. Leroy blogs for us on the importance of Changing Places toilets and why every sports venue should have one.
Hi. My name is Leroy Binns.
I am an Arsenal football supporter and I have got a learning disability. Changing Places toilets are very important for people with a learning disability to be able to support their team – whatever sport it is.
They have just as much right as anyone else to go to a football rugby or cricket ground to support their team whatever sport that they are into.
Changing Places toilets are larger than a standard disabled toilet.
They have got a centrally placed toilet with room either side for two carers, a bench, a hoist, and a non-slip floor.
This means that people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and people less able to walk are able to go to sporting venues without having to worry about going home at half time to use the toilet
Without Changing Places toilets, people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and wheelchairs users will have to be changed on a dirty floor or go home at half time, or not go to sporting events at all and stay at home.
This is not right or fair to them.
They have as much right as anyone else to be part of their community and without Changing Places toilets this will not happen.
For this reason Changing Places toilets have to be installed in every sporting venue so that everyone is able to enjoy sporting events without barriers.
Visit the Changing Places website to learn more
Photo: Leroy pictured with TV personality Alex Brooker at the opening of Arsenal FC’s Changing Places facility
15.04.16