New Changing Places to improve accessibility for South Australians with disability
The Albanese Labor Government and South Australian Government are working together to deliver two new Changing Places in South Australia to help people with disability to participate fully in their communities.
The new Changing Places, one in an arts and heritage centre in the Adelaide Hills and one in a public pool complex in the City of Burnside, will provide specialised toilet facilities for people with disability.
Each Changing Place includes features designed for people with disability with high support needs and include an extra circulation space, a ceiling hoist system, adjustable adult-sized changing table and automatic doors.
The Commonwealth will fund one third of the build cost as part of the Albanese Government’s election commitment to offer $32.2 million over four years for new Changing Places in Local Government Areas currently without a changing places facility.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the Government’s goal is to create a more inclusive society for the one in six Australians with disability.
“People with disability deserve to have equal participation in all aspects of life. Having appropriate facilities is an integral part of that,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Accessible facilities like Changing Places can help people with disability partake in community events, and enjoy sports and leisure with more freedom and confidence.
“I look forward to seeing the difference this makes to the lives of people with disability in South Australia, and in other Local Government Areas across Australia where we plan to build Changing Places.”
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten said accessibility must be a key consideration for community spaces and events.
“A lack of accessible toilet options can be a massive barrier for people with disability to be out and about in public spaces or participating in community activities and events,” Minister Shorten said.
“Appropriate, accessible facilities like Changing Places are a critical part of creating comfortable, inclusive communities where people with disability can live their lives to the fullest.
“All levels of government and places like sporting clubs must be factoring accessibility in as a priority.”
South Australian Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said the addition of the Changing Places was important for the South Australian disability community.
“Changing Places facilities change lives – it’s fantastic when every level of government joins together to make this happen,” Minister Cook said.
“Our community is a better place when people with disability can join their family and friends at public events and in our beautiful natural environment. Too many people with disability face the challenge of not being able to use a toilet outside of their own home –Changing Places makes a huge difference. It’s a game-changer.”
For more information about Changing Places facilities, visit changingplaces.org.
For more information about the Commonwealth’s Changing Places initiative, visit the Department of Social Services website.