Accessible Toilets in UK Public Places Remain a Significant Challenge for Disabled Individuals

Image credits: Image source, Kieren Barlow

The issue of accessible toilets in public places remains a significant challenge for disabled individuals in the UK, with many facing difficulties due to poorly maintained or inaccessible facilities. A recent survey by the disabled access charity Euan's Guide found that almost three quarters of 6,800 people surveyed said they had come across an accessible toilet they were unable to use, while two-thirds said loos were dirty and unhygienic. The survey also reported that 98 per cent of respondents are not confident about visiting new places when thinking about accessibility, highlighting a widespread lack of trust in the availability and quality of accessible toilets.

Personal experiences of individuals with disabilities further emphasize the need for improvement in accessible toilets. For example, BBC Wales' Matthew Bassett spent six hours on the floor of a nightclub toilet after the alarm cord broke, and Kieren Barlow had an "awful" experience in an accessible loo when a faulty handle failed to lock and someone walked in and left the door open. These stories illustrate the traumatic and distressing experiences that many disabled people face due to inadequate accessible toilets. The lack of accessible toilets, the poor maintenance of existing facilities, and the inadequate provision of emergency assistance all contribute to a culture of exclusion and marginalization.

The Euan's Guide Access Survey is the UK's largest and longest-running survey on disabled access, with over 6,500 participants, 68 per cent of whom identify as a disabled person. The survey results reveal widespread failures in public venues, transport, and social inclusion, with many respondents expressing frustration, exhaustion, and isolation due to ongoing inaccessibility. The survey also found that 70 per cent of respondents said the lack of disabled access has directly affected their goals, plans or aspirations, and only seven per cent feel positive about the new government, showing a need for help from the public and businesses. Some of the key findings from the survey include: * 73 per cent of respondents have come across an accessible toilet that they’ve been unable to use * 70 per cent said the lack of disabled access has directly affected their goals, plans or aspirations * 98 per cent of respondents are not confident about visiting new places when thinking about accessibility * 68 per cent of respondents identify as a disabled person * Only seven per cent feel positive about the new government, showing a need for help from the public and businesses

The charity is calling on the public, businesses, policymakers, and local authorities to take immediate steps to improve disabled access information. This can be done by submitting a disabled access review on EuansGuide.com, sharing what they find at their local coffee shop, supermarket, or play park. It is also possible to list venues and businesses for free on EuansGuide.com to reach tens of thousands of disabled people looking for disabled access information and great places to go. By working together, it is possible to create a more inclusive and accessible society, where disabled people can participate fully and without fear of exclusion or marginalization.

The Welsh government has made changes to building regulations in 2023 to increase the number of available accessible toilets in public buildings of a certain size. However, more needs to be done to address the widespread failures in accessible toilets and to ensure that disabled people have equal access to public venues and services. The UK government has also been approached for comment, and it is hoped that they will take steps to address the issue and ensure that disabled people are able to participate fully in society. Ultimately, the provision of accessible toilets is not just a matter of convenience, but a matter of dignity and human rights, and it is essential that we take immediate action to address the significant challenges that disabled people face in this area.