Mencap have highlighted the current shortage of Changing Places toilets at Premier League stadiums and report that certain clubs are set to miss the August 2017 deadline to install one as part of the Premier League access pledge.
Changing Places are fully accessible toilets with a hoist, height adjustable bench and room enough for 2 assistants that can transform the matchday experience for disabled fans, who in many cases are unable to attend games due to their accessibility requirements.
Mencap have published the following Changing Places league table, showing the current situation at Premier League stadia.
*Further to this report, Level Playing Field understand that West Bromwich Albion will also be installing a Changing Places facility during the close season.
Currently there are 7 Premier League clubs with a Changing Places toilet, with 5 more planned – including West Bromwich Albion – in time to meet the August 2017 deadline. Newly promoted clubs for the 2016/17 season have an extended deadline until August 2018 to.
Mencap’s Activism Manager Clare Lucas said: “It’s inexcusable for over half of the Premier League to be without fully accessible toilets for all disabled fans.”
Level Playing Field General Manager Ruth Hopkins said: “Level Playing Field supports Mencap’s report on Changing Places facilities at Premier League football clubs. Our access audit reports always make a recommendation that a Changing Places facility should be installed for use on match days and also when the stadium is being used for functions, conferences etc. We are pleased to see that a number of clubs have already made provision and there are plans for more to be ready for the start of next season.”
“However, there will still be Premier League grounds in August 2017 where they are not provided and for some disabled people having access to appropriate toilet facilities is a deciding factor on whether they attend an event or not. We encourage all sports grounds to do the right thing.”
Related:
Independent: More than half of Premier League clubs fail to meet disabled toilet promise
Sky Sports: Mencap criticise Premier League clubs’ failure to provide disabled fans with fully accessible toilets
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