A Changing Places toilet is a larger, specialist accessible facility designed for people who cannot use a standard accessible WC independently.
While a traditional accessible toilet may meet the needs of many users, it often lacks the space and equipment required by people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other complex needs.
A Changing Places facility typically includes:
These facilities provide a safe, hygienic and dignified environment for both users and carers.
Source: Diagram 22: An example of a self-contained changing room for individual use
Without appropriate facilities, many disabled people are limited in how long they can stay away from home. Some families and carers carefully plan journeys around the availability of suitable toilets, while others may avoid certain destinations altogether.
Changing Places facilities remove a significant barrier to participation, allowing individuals to travel, work, shop, socialise and enjoy public spaces with greater confidence.
No one should be forced to compromise their dignity when accessing essential facilities.
Unfortunately, where suitable provision is unavailable, some individuals may have no option but to be changed on a toilet floor or return home early. Changing Places facilities provide a safe and respectful alternative, recognising the needs of users while supporting carers in delivering assistance appropriately.
Accessible design is about enabling everyone to use and enjoy a space equally.
Whether it's a hotel, transport hub, healthcare setting, cultural venue or commercial development, providing a Changing Places toilet demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusivity. It sends a clear message that disabled people are welcome and that their needs have been considered from the outset.
Accessibility is not only a social responsibility; it's also good business.
When venues invest in inclusive facilities, they become accessible to a broader audience, including disabled visitors, their families, carers and support networks. For many organisations, this can significantly increase the number of people able to access and enjoy their services.
While every project is unique, there are several key design considerations that must be carefully addressed.
Source: Diagram 18: Unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet with corner WC
A minimum 1.5m turning circle is essential to allow wheelchair users to manoeuvre safely within the room. Sufficient circulation space also ensures carers can provide support where required and allows specialist equipment to be used effectively.
Without adequate turning space, even the best equipment can become difficult or unsafe to use.
Changing Places guidance specifies a toilet seat height of 480mm to the top of the seat.
This dimension is carefully chosen to support safer transfers from wheelchairs and mobility equipment while improving comfort and ease of use for a wider range of users.
The recommended 650mm projection to the front edge of the toilet pan provides appropriate positioning for side transfers and enables carers to assist users more effectively.
Small design decisions like these can have a significant impact on usability and user experience.
Grab rails are vital for safety, support and independence.
The location, configuration and quantity of grab rails must be carefully considered to suit user requirements and facilitate safe transfers. Incorrectly positioned rails can reduce accessibility rather than enhance it.
At Fitzroy, we understand that compliant layouts must work in practice, not just on paper, which is why grab rail positioning should always form a key part of the design process.
Source: Diagram 19: Heights and arrangement of fittings in a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet
Meeting regulations is important, but the most successful accessible environments are those that focus on real-world usability.
At Fitzroy, we work closely with architects, designers, contractors and facilities managers to create washroom solutions that combine accessibility, compliance and exceptional design. From carefully specified grab rails and support systems to thoughtfully designed accessible washrooms, our focus is always on delivering solutions that improve the experience of every user.
Changing Places facilities are a powerful example of why inclusive design matters. They help remove barriers, support independence and enable more people to participate fully in everyday life.
As awareness continues to grow, we believe these facilities should become a standard consideration within public, commercial and hospitality environments, not an optional extra.
At Fitzroy, we have extensive experience supporting accessible washroom projects across hospitality, healthcare, commercial and public sector environments.
Whether you're designing a new Changing Places facility or upgrading an existing accessible washroom, our team can help specify compliant, durable and aesthetically considered solutions that meet both user needs and project requirements.
Book our Inclusive Commercial Washrooms CPD to gain further RIBA-approved insights.
Because accessibility isn't just about compliance. It's about creating spaces that work for everyone.