International Day of People with Disabilities 2025

Today is the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD), and we want everyone to remember that inclusion isn’t optional - it’s essential.

 

For the people who rely on them, Changing Places toilets (CPTs) provide clean, safe and dignified toileting facilities away from home. CPTs quite literally change lives, and they remain a vital part of creating a more accessible and equitable world for more than 250,000 disabled people in the UK alone, not including families and carers who depend on them too.

 

IDPWD is a day of celebration, learning, optimism and action- so what does that mean for CPTs in 2025?

 

Celebration

 

There is always more to do, but today we celebrate how farthe movement has come. There are now 2,639 CPTs across the UK, and more venuesthan ever understand the life-changing impact of these facilities. Everyinstallation represents increased freedom, dignity and inclusion.

 

Learning

 

From the tireless work of our campaigners raising awareness, to the resources available on our website, we’re helping people learn about CPTs and inclusion every single day. Don’t forget to explore the Get Involved section to find out how you can help drive change.

 

And in 2025, the CPT Consortium celebrates its 20th anniversary, an important milestone. This year gives us a chance to reflect on two decades of progress, the origins of the movement, the growth of CPT provision, and the priorities that will shape the next 20 years of incLOOsion.

 

Optimism

 

Not everyone understands the importance of CPTs straightaway, and persuading organisations to install them can sometimes feel like areal challenge. Our campaigners make incredible progress, but each success story is built on persistence, passion and a huge amount of commitment.

 

Still, we’re hopeful, because our community is extraordinary. Campaigners, allies, suppliers and forward-thinking venues are working side by side to create lasting change. We’re seeing momentum build, and that gives us every reason to face the future with confidence.

 

 

Action

 

This part is simple: we need more venues to install CPTs.

Yes, 2,639 is a big number, but spread across the entire UK, it’s still nowhere near enough.

 

CPTs are essential. If we want a truly accessible and inclusive world, then toilets (however unexciting they may seem to most people*),must be part of the conversation.

 

So, this year, on IDPWD 2025, we’re calling on everyone to take action. Whether that’s:

• showing your support on social media,
• running a local campaign, or
• committing to installing a CPT at your venue…

 

WE NEED YOU.

 

Join the fight for incLOOsion and help make the world more accessible, equitable and dignified for everyone.

 

*Well…most people outside the CPT community. For us, talking toilets is always exciting!