About Access’ Ian Streets examines how accommodations for some may come at the perceived expense of others and how a pan-disability approach to design helps elude such complications
The recent announcement by a rail company that it is to add to the facilities available at its accessible station toilets is good news for a charity which has been campaigning for improvements.
However, depending on the design of the loos, it could also be bad news for other users who might find that the modifications present an obstacle to their needs.
Colostomy UK has called for accessible toilets to better accommodate stoma users
There’s no doubt that TransPennine Express has done something good by making the loos at its stations stoma-friendly. The company has taken on board the requirements set out by Colostomy UK and applied them at stations across its network.
But those requirements, as set out in Colostomy UK’s campaign literature, have attracted criticism from people who have other impairments. That’s not to say Colostomy UK are wrong, but it highlights the need for designers and architects to take a pan-disability approach when planning and laying out facilities.
Colostomy UK is gaining momentum with its call for businesses and other organisations to make simple changes to accessible WCs which they say “can make a huge difference to the experience of people living with a stoma”.
Providing a hook on the door creates more space by giving stoma users – or “ostomates” – somewhere to hang clothing, handbags and luggage. Installing a shelf provides them with a clean space where they can lay out the items they need instead of using unsanitary surfaces, such as the floor in some cases.
A mirror will enable users to see their stoma while changing their appliances. Placing a bin in every cubicle will mean that users can avoid any embarrassment from having to dispose of their stoma bag in public view.
Accommodations have been made- but is TransPennine Express’s approach too singleminded?
TransPennine Express has acted to introduce all of the above. How far it takes them towards their destination of ensuring that services and stations are “accessible and inclusive for everyone” is a matter for other users to decide.
The limited photography distributed by the rail company with its press release merely triggers a desire to see a wider shot which would hopefully show whether wheelchair users and others who rely on mobility aids have the space they need to use the facilities comfortably.
Other points of guidance from Colostomy UK have raised concern, and particularly the references to the possible locations for the all-important shelves. It’s not clear why fitting a shelf on the wall closest to the pan is considered unsuitable, while installing one on the opposite side is acceptable.
The former would appear to make good use of space which can’t obviously be used for anything else. The latter would appear to intrude into the area of the room which is essential for wheelchair users to transfer to the pan.
Wheelchair users have taken to social media to note that they would feel at risk of cracking their heads on the shelf or getting a black eye from it. The general consensus is that the corner should be kept clear of any obstacles.
There is also some disagreement over signage, although pulling those requirements together does lead us to some common ground. Colostomy UK makes the important point that it is not uncommon for users without an obvious physical impediment to experience hostility from people who are oblivious to the hidden nature of some conditions and disabilities.
However their suggestions that signage could be used to increase awareness is dismissed by some as creating clutter.
A pan-disability approach and joined-up thinking provide for the widest range of users
Where people are on the same page is with the call for joined-up thinking. If the facilities are designed and installed correctly, and if awareness of hidden disabilities is increased, people will know that an accessible WC caters effectively for the widest range of users.
There is no such thing as one-size fits all, and it falls to designers to be mindful of the risks of favouring one group of users over another, making it easier for some to use the facility yet at the same time creating obstacles for others.
There are various reasons why someone would need to use an accessible WC and the space therefore has to be designed for use by everybody. That means planning space for wheelchair users, mobility aids, shelves where people can place items they need and that are within reach while sitting on the pan.
People need grab rails, a mirror, a waste bin and space to place their belongings.
Also, if you think of a wheelchair user who can only use one arm it’s likely they will prefer one transfer direction over another.
We came across one scenario in an office block recently which was really helpful. On one floor the accessible WC had right-hand transfer and the one on the next floor had left-hand transfer. Similarly, if you have more than one accessible WC you can place the hand basin on the left in one space and on the right in another.
The aim should be to provide multi-use space which removes rather than introduces obstacles for users. And in doing that, think ahead and remember that some wheelchair users are also colostomy bag users, and vice versa.
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