RAF Museum opens fully accessible Changing Places facility
Published on: 11 November 2021
The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands is delighted to announce that a new fully accessible Changing Places facility has been installed as part of a major refurbishment project and is now available to visitors with additional needs.
Located in the Visitor Centre, the toilet transformation includes a ceiling track hoist for full room coverage and an adult size height adjustable changing table, amongst other essential equipment and the extra space needed to use the toilet safely and comfortably.
Paula Kovacs, RAF Museum Community Engagement Manager said:
‘As a national museum, we recognise how important it is that each one of our visitors is able to enjoy their day with us in comfort and dignity. This is particularly important for visitors with profound and multiple learning disabilities, and others who need extra support. I am certain that this new facility will have a tremendous positive impact on the visitor experience for those of our visitors with such requirements, as well as their families, friends and carers, enabling them to enjoy as fully as possible their day with us, confident that their requirements are being catered for.’
The Changing Places toilet was given a big thumbs up from members of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Adult Provider Services (Day Opportunities), who recently visited the RAF Museum on their first day trip to an attraction in more than a year.
Carers from City of Wolverhampton Council, Adult Provider Services were impressed with the new facility:
‘It’s my first visit to the RAF Museum and the Changing Places facility is wonderful. The Museum is amazing, and we will now be able to plan more days out with our members. Without the Changing Places facility, we wouldn’t have been able to bring some of our members.’
‘It’s vital when we go out that we have facilities for people to use. Changing Places toilets is something we can’t always find but having one so close will make days out so much better.’
The Museum’s new Changing Places facility is provided in addition to the standard accessible toilets that can be found in each of the Museum’s buildings. For further details of the various facilities that the Museum offers for visitors requiring additional assistance CLICK HERE.
The refurbishment has been carried out by Astor Bannerman and partners Aveso, who specialise in the manufacture and installation of Changing Places equipment worldwide.
Nick Kent, CEO of Aveso, a long term sponsor of The Changing Places Campaign making venues more accessible for all, said:
‘Changing Places are a vital facility for the disabled community and their carers. There are over 1,600 Changing Places rooms in the UK, but this facility is one of the most beautifully designed with the mural of the sky. It’s a great facility for users and carers and ensures the Museum is an attractive day out for everyone.’
The Museum is open daily from 10.00am. While still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online CLICK HERE.