Signage
The Changing Places symbol should always be included alongside all the other men, women and standard accessible toilet symbols. These should be at the entrance to the public toilets, on all signage in the venues and on appropriate street/ highway signage. The below information is designed to help you understand the different types of signage that may be needed. Click on the links to see examples of signage and guidance.
Main Public Toilet Entrance signs are a real help to potential users and carers. (click here)
Door signage can be a basic Changing Places toilet door logo (click here) or you could show the Changing Places symbol and add the words "Changing Places Toilet" underneath. The symbol is still not widely recognised yet and it may be helpful to state what the symbol is representing.
You may feel you require some additional information stating what a Changing Places toilet is and how you can gain access. Here is an example example: (click here)
Helpful signs inside the venue help to highlight all toilets including a Changing Places toilet. (click here)
Street signage is an important link to inform family members and carers of this valuable facility. This may be a formal one off sign (click here) or can be designed to match all city centre signage. (click here)
Information signage outside of a facility can help to explain the difference between a Changing Places and a standard accessible toilet. (click here)
Health and Safety signage in the Changing Places toilet
Some venues have a "Guidance for Use" form which advises people how to use the facility and which in some cases forms part of the registration/membership process.
This can be adapted into a wall sign. (click here)
Other health and safety signs should include information showing the maximum manufacturers weight limit for the hoist and changing bench. (click here)
For full information on using the Changing Places symbol (click here)
GUIDANCE FOR LARGER VENUES ON ACCESS AND SIGNAGE
for Airports, Train Station, Motorway Services, Shopping Centre’s, Major retailers, Hospitals and large entertainments venues such as Arena’s, Museums, Theatres, Cinemas etc.
1.WEBSITE - Having information on your website prior to a visit explaining
1. What a Changing Places toilet is i.e. what the key features are – height adjustable changing bench, ceiling track hoist, enough space for more than one carer and say how to access the facility.
2. Explain clearly the need for carers to bring the disabled person’s own sling and their radar key if that’s the access process you choose etc.
3. If there is any other access process i.e. prior registration, collecting a key from an information point this should be made clear on the website.
4. Information on when the Changing Places toilet is open.
5. The website address for Changing Places (www.changing-places.org) could also prove helpful for those not familiar with Changing places toilets.
6. Examples of website information can be found at
http://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/emaweb.nsf/Content/ChangingPlaces
http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=18470
https://www.capitalfmarena.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=5579E98D-B1F7-4D63-908F-6DE66D6C4626&sessionlanguage=&SessionSecurity::linkName=
IN THE BUILDING/COMPLEX.
2. GOOD SIGNAGE - around the venue, at entry points to the building, (where possible using over head signs) (click here and here ) and even signage at standard disabled toilets saying there is a Changing Places toilet and where it is.
You may consider having a special notice informing people of this facility at entrance points to the building.
Signage should be included on all general toilet information including entrance points to toilet facilities (click here)
“How to access the toilet” signage is also helpful at the entrance to the toilet (click here).
As the logo is not known to everyone you could reinforce this be having the words “Changing Places Toilet” on the toilet door immediately under the official Changing Places logo.
3.ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS If access is by radar key then you will need allow for people who forget theirs or overseas visitors who don’t have one... Some Airports have signage with a phone number next to the door or in key locations where visitors can contact OCS (who are the organisation who support disabled people through airports), or this could be reception desk for the shopping centre,hospital etc or contact point where someone will respond. A good sign next to/on the door stating how to access the room is essential.
Airports may need to consider managing airport security raised by having a Changing Places toilet landside once potential users are airside and vice versa.
4. HEALTH AND SAFETY SIGNAGE Inside the room e.g. manufacturers maximum weight for hoist and changing bench, and guidelines for use (the attached can be adapted to meet local need) (click here) plus a reminder if the hoist needs to be returned to the charging point after use. (click here)
5. INFORMATION POINTS. Staff at Information points/ Stewards at major events need to be briefed about the facility. What it is, who it is for and how to access etc. In airports OCS must be well informed of the facility and how to access and as part of their role they should mention this is available to users on first contact with people who may need it. You could even have a factsheet or copy of your website information..
6. USE OF THE OFFICIAL CHANGING PLACES LOGO – graphics suitable for sign makers can be obtained by email from changingplaces@mencap.org.uk.
7. SIGNS - Ready-made Changing Places signs are available from manufacturer Phlexicare. To request a catalogue telephone 020 8586 4600 or email sales@nichollsandclarke.com (please note this does not constitute a recommendation).