Western Australia’s latest completed Changing Place was officially opened at Westfield Carousel in Cannington today by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson.
A Changing Place is an accessible and customised public bathroom for people unable to use universal access toilets.
The State Government provided $2 million to support the establishment of a network of Changing Places, which has now grown to 26 facilities across WA.
About 200,000 Australians with disability require assistance to meet their bathroom and personal hygiene needs, and without appropriate public facilities their options are limited and their opportunities to actively participate in community life are restricted.
Changing Places play a vital role in breaking down barriers by making sure everyone in the community can easily access appropriate facilities such as public bathrooms, so their quality and enjoyment of life is improved.
Initiatives such as Changing Places make a significant difference to everyday life for not only users of the facility but also others such as family, friends and carers.
Westfield Centre Management funded the construction of the Carousel Changing Place, a commitment by the private sector to providing facilities for people with disability that aligns strongly with the State Disability Plan currently being developed.
The plan will lead to more inclusive communities and improve the accessibility of State Government services, systems and infrastructure for all Western Australians with disability.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Every Changing Place facility that opens helps to make the community more inclusive for people with disability, and I commend everyone involved in delivering this facility as part of a growing network around the State.
“As the network of Changing Places expands so do the options for people with disability to plan and travel and enjoy time away from home with family and friends, confident that access to the facilities they need won’t be an issue.
“The Government is currently consulting on the development of its 10-year State Disability Plan, with a focus on how people with disability can participate fully in all aspects of society as well as the shared responsibility that we all have to foster inclusive communities.”
