Improved support to those with disabilities
Craven College’s new Pen-y-Ghent building, officially opened on last month, is not only a great benefit to the students and staff at the college, but also to the public; a ‘Changing Places’ facility was built on the ground floor of the new building to give improved support to those with disabilities. ‘Changing Places’ toilets are different to standard disabled toilets as they provide extra features and a larger space to meet the needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers, as well as many other people with serious impairments.
The facility provides the right equipment for greater accessibility and easy use – a ceiling track hoist system, an adjustable adult-sized changing bench, enough space for the disabled person and up to two carers, and a privacy screen. The safe and clean environment is also reinforced by the non-slip floor and a centrally positioned toilet. It has been found that nearly a quarter of a million people in the UK will benefit from more of these facilities, and Craven College has taken a step further in the right direction for the community. With the addition of a ‘Changing Places’ facility, the person with disabilities and the carers are given the help and equipment needed to make a dramatic difference in the lives of thousands of people who desperately need these facilities.
From the start, Craven College was determined to provide this facility for members of the public, the second place in Skipton to do so. Cath Ambler, Vice Principal, says:
‘The college has a long-standing commitment to the community to not only provide an outstanding learning environment for our students, but to bring additional benefits to others in the area. The ‘Changing Places’ facility shows our dedication to this cause and our support for the Changing Places campaign for more of these facilities to be built in all major public places. Through this, Craven College is taking a bigger step towards equality and opportunities for all.’
Anyone in the area who needs to use the facility can do so by going to the college’s main reception at the Aireville Campus, where a number of disabled parking spaces are available. It is accessible from 9.00am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and more details can be found at: http://www.changing-places.org/find_a_toilet/location_search_results/details/mid/649/lid/681/ctl.aspx
