World Toilet Day 2025: Changing Places Toilets in a Changing World

"We’ll always need the toilet".

This simple truth lies at the heart of World Toilet Day 2025, which calls global attention to the ongoing toilet crisis and the need for solutions that are inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready. As ageing infrastructure, climate change, and population pressures challenge sanitation systems around the world, one thing remains constant: everyone needs access to safe, dignified toilets. Yet for millions of disabled people, especially those with profound learning and multiple disabilities, public toilets are still inaccessible, inadequate, or completely unavailable.

 

PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) is a key voice in the fight for toilet equality. As co-founders of the Changing Places Toilet Campaign and current chair of the UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium, PAMIS has been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of people with complex disabilities are recognised when it comes to toilet equality.

 

Changing Places toilets go beyond standard accessible toilets. They are fully equipped with the specialist equipment required for people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet, including:

 

• A height-adjustable changing bench
• Ceiling track hoist
• Peninsular toilet
• Adequate space for a user and carers
• Privacy screen, non-slip floor, and other essential hygiene features

 

PAMIS, the UK Changing Places toilet Consortium, and campaigners have worked tirelessly to promote the inclusion of these essential facilities in public spaces, hospitals, transport hubs, and cultural venues, helping to unlock opportunities for people who would otherwise be excluded.

 

Not Just Visible Disabilities

 

Whilst PAMIS supports people with PMLD, their families and carers, we also recognise that Changing Places toilets are vital not only for those with visible physical impairments, but also for people with invisible disabilities, such as autism, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, or cancer, who may also require privacy, time, space, and a calmer environment than standard accessible toilets provide.

By championing Changing Places toilets, PAMIS ensures that people with a wide range of complex health needs are not forgotten when it comes to public toilet design.

 

Toilets in a Changing World Must Be Inclusive

 

The 2025 World Toilet Day theme, “Sanitation in a Changing World”, is a powerful reminder that the future of toilets must be inclusive. They should be designed for everyone, regardless of their ability or health condition. Changing Places toilets are more than inclusive, they’re essential. With the voices of the people and families that we support, we are leading the way; the momentum for accessible, future-proofed toilet facilities is growing.

 

We’ll Always Need the Toilet -So Let’s Get It Right for Everyone

 

Toilets are not optional. Theyare a human right, fundamental to public health, dignity, and equality. ThisWorld Toilet Day, we’re reminded that people with visible and invisibledisabilities must not be left behind when it comes to their toileting needs.Because no matter what changes in the world around us, we’ll always need thetoilet. And everyone deserves one they can use.