A Changing Places Toilet is not a replacement for a wheelchair accessible unisex WC designed for independent use. It is an additional facility to address the needs of people for whom other sanitary accommodation is inadequate. Changing Places Toilets are different to wheelchair accessible unisex WCs in many ways:
- Changing Places Toilets are designed to allow Personal Assistants/Carers to assist someone in the room, whereas standard wheelchair accessible unisex WCs are designed for independent use
- Changing Places Toilets offer other functions beyond that provided in a wheelchair accessible unisex WC, such as providing equipment and space to change clothing, attend to personal care, and in some instances showering
- In a Changing Places Toilet both the washbasin and the WC pan are arranged differently in comparison to a wheelchair accessible unisex WC:
- The WC pan in a Changing Places Toilet is in a peninsular arrangement (which allows space on both sides of the WC pan for wheelchair transfers or assistance from both sides of the WC pan), whereas in a wheelchair accessible unisex WC, the WC pan is in a corner arrangement (refer to Image 2 and Image 3)
- The washbasin is not as close to the WC pan in a Changing Places Toilet as it is in a wheelchair accessible unisex WC
Image 2 WC Pan in a Changing Places Toilet with space on both sides for wheelchair transfers or for assistance to be provided (peninsular arrangement)
Image 3 Wheelchair Accessible Unisex WC with corner WC pan arrangement and washbasin within reach of the WC pan
