Join Me! Change the legislation! Events and Festivals should have properly accessible toilets

TraceyFalcon

As a long term visitor to Womad festival, last year I visited for the first time as a wheelchair user. To my dismay I found that whilst I could drive my wheelchair into the loos there wasn't enough room to then get out, get to the loo or close the door. There also weren't handrails in many of the loos or sometimes only behind the loo. There were no sinks in any of them. I have been in contact with the organisers who say these loos are standard supply for all festivals and events (it took them 10 months to reply). I would love to hear of other experiences as I intend to contact the suppliers of these disabled portaloos to try to get this looked into. I can't believe that yet another door seems to be closing now I can't walk, surely accessible toilets need to be accessible to wheelchair users. Its such a basic need, I am distraught.

Alex_Alumni

I'm so sorry to hear about the access failure you've encountered @TraceyFalcon, as an ambulatory wheelchair user myself I can relate, and often wonder what I'd do if I wasn't able to hop in and out in situations like this. 

Being able to go to the loo is a very basic need, and it shouldn't be a barrier for disabled people wanting to attend festivals. Keep us up to date with how you get on, as I'm sure plenty of our members have experienced similar issues.

TraceyFalcon

Hi
I have found another wheelchair user who is joining me to campaign for properly wheelchair accessible portaloos at events and festivals. I am aware of mobiloo, revolootion, changing places etc, but I am interested in looking at the regulations surrounding the size of the standard disabled portaloos. To do this I would like to gather stories of peoples experiences at festivals and events. My first post got zero replies.... maybe I need to start another thread?

Hannah_Alumni

@TraceyFalcon Thank you for updating us! It sounds like the campaign is in full swing. You could create a new post, or if you'd like, I could change the title of this post for you? So you keep everything in one thread?

If you haven't already, I'd also suggest reaching out to MP's where festivals take place. They may be able to put you in touch with people too, to share their stories  

littleacorn

I understand your frustration. Its not just festival and events toilets which are too small but many many in shops pubs etc. Who on earth has said they can call them disabled toilets it's all wrong when you can't even have a wee.

TraceyFalcon

thanks Hannah and Little Acorn. I am taking the campaign up a notch and contacting as many people in high places as I can and yes that includes parliament.
Hannah it would be brilliant if you could change the title please. Perhaps to something like who will join me in trying to get legislation changed to make sure that festivals and events have properly accessible toilets available by law.

Hannah_Alumni

@TraceyFalcon Was a little long so I change it to: Join Me! Change the legislation! Events and Festivals should have properly accessible toilets...

Sound ok?

TraceyFalcon

@Hannah_Scope perfect, thank you!

DayDreamBeliever

Sorry I don't have any experience with this as festivals are not my thing! But just wanted to comment my support 

TraceyFalcon

@DayDreamBeliever thank you! Do you have any experience with loos at other outdoor events?

DayDreamBeliever

@TraceyFalcon not since I've become a wheelchair user but on crutches at an outdoor theatre and they just straight up did not have any disabled portaloos at all!