Kerry's story

Kerry has a form of muscular dystrophy and needs access to Changing Places toilets. She writes a blog about her experiences of living with her disability. Below, Kerry explains the importance of Changing Places toilets in her life. 

 "Hi I'm Kerry, from Milton Keynes. I have a form of muscular dystrophy (FHL1). I live with my husband who is my full-time carer. We live in a beautiful purpose built bungalow for the disabled.

Taking a simple trip out these days can be a military operation. We have a check list of things to take, especially if it's more than a few hours out. The biggest problem I face when going anywhere is when it comes to using a disabled toilets. I find some are simply too small to fit me, wheelchair plus hubby- it can sometimes feel very claustrophobic.

The misplaced sink or baby changing table that I've had many a head knock can make maneuvering tricky or near impossible. So, sometimes having to hold it in until I get home is the only option. However, I have and suffer with IBS so many occasions holding it in has nearly ended in disaster!

I sometimes have to limit what I drink just in case the disabled toilet isn't big enough or not got the right equipment to help me. Other times I find myself limiting my time out because you just can't risk the embarrassment of having an accident- which is exactly what I'm doing more times than I care to admit to.

I shouldn't have to worry about the most basic thing we all need to do. Having to plan going out for a meal or just food shopping with researching a place just to make sure the disabled toilet's are suitable (which nine times out of ten there's nothing written about the disabled toilet just the universal symbol to say there is one) then it's pot luck if their even clean or filled with mops buckets and signs. You'd be amazed at the "wonders" that can be found in a disabled toilet-mannequins has got to be the weirdest one so far!!

So when I found out about the Changing Places campaign, I so wanted to get involved and help spread the word on how important these Changing Place's toilets are to so many people and families."