A brand new 'Changing Places' facility for people with complex disabilities has opened in Newbridge Sports Centre, Co Kildare.

This facility includes many features and additional equipment making it more accessible than standard accessible toilets.

It represents Kildare County Council's second Changing Places facility following the launch of the facility in the Council Offices, Devoy Park, Naas last year.

Disabled accessible toilets often do not meet the needs of all people with complex disabilities. For example, individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and older people with physical disabilities may need extra equipment facilities to enable them to use the toilet, maximising independence, and comfort. Sadly, many people with disabilities are often faced with the indignity and unhygienic option of being changed on the floor of a public toilet as the correct facilities are not available in public places.

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The Changing Places facility addresses these issues as it provides 12m² of floor space and includes both a full room coverage ceiling track hoist, a centrally located toilet bowl with space either side for transfers or assistants, and a height-adjustable adult sized changing bench.

Changing Places facilities are designed to enhance the health, safety, comfort, and dignity of someone who may need extra support and additional equipment during personal care tasks. Changing Places facilities also offer added safety and support features for assistants.

Speaking at the opening of the new facility, Michael Hurley, Access Officer, Kildare County Council said: "I am incredibly excited about the opening of this new state of the art public service facility for people with disabilities and additional physical needs. This new facility represents another significant step forward and is a positive contribution to the full inclusion, equality, and rights of disabled people within our community."

Aisling McNiffe, Changing Places Ireland commented: "We are delighted to see that Newbridge Sports Centre have installed a changing places toilet. It will open up the world for many people with disabilities. Accessibility and inclusion are vital. To be able to access a bathroom suitable for your individual needs is a basic human right. So many people have been excluded from society because of the lack of a changing places toilet. Thanks to Michael Hurley & Kildare County Council for their commitment to date."

The Changing Places facility in Newbridge Sports Centre is now open to the public and is the second in a series of three planned facilities with another one planned for the new library in Naas.