Accessible Adult Change Facilities are sanitary facilities which contain a toilet, adult sized change table and a ceiling track hoist. From 1 May 2019, the Building Code of Australia requires Accessible Adult Change Facilities to be provided in particular types of buildings including large shopping centres, sports venues, museums/galleries and airports. These facilities will change the way people with high support needs and their families and carers can live their lives.
Helen Fearn-Wannan is a Senior Access Consultant Accredited with ACAA (Association of Consultants in Access Australia) and registered Occupational Therapist at Architecture & Access. Helen is part of the Technical Advisory project team which has written the Technical Standard for Changing Places in Australia. The new requirements for Accessible Adult Change Facilities are based on the Changing Places Technical Standard design.
There are nearly 80 Changing Places accredited across Australia with more currently in construction, including Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. These facilities are enabling people to get out, enjoy life and not have to return home to use the toilet.
Helen has worked with many people who will benefit from these facilities. Recently she met a lady with Cerebral Palsy, who journeyed from regional Victoria to Brisbane via air and went 15 hours without having access to a suitable sanitary facility. She was in excruciating pain by the time she reached her destination. This is a common story for people with high physical support needs and shows the importance of the new requirements.
Architecture & Access are proud to be associated with the two Changing Places facilities now installed at Brisbane International and Domestic airports.
Architecture & Access works with architects and building owners who are providing Accessible Adult Change Facilities and Changing Places in developments such as swimming pools, shopping centres, community and transport hubs. We provide design and project management services to ensure the project meets certification and accreditation requirements.
