Finding Public Disabled Toilets | More Ability

Published: 7 December 2021

Christmas is nearly here and that means for many of us hitting the high streets to find presents to delight our loved ones.

When it comes to finding public disabled toilets however, it can often be a challenge to know where to go to safely and comfortably use a disabled toilet.

This article breaks down how to locate disabled toilets whilst out and how you can you purchase a Disabled Toilet Radar Key.

How do I find public disabled toilets?

There are a couple of websites and apps that assist with helping disabled people and carers with finding public disabled toilets.

Changing Places

Changing places is a government initiative set up to provide disabled toilet facilities that are both safe and suitable to use for all people with disabilities, including those with muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions.

Changing places disabled toilet rooms include the following:

- A large and spacious area with enough room to be used by a user and up to two carers.

- An adult sized height adjustable changing bench with a tracking hoist system or if a ceiling cannot support the tracking hoist system a mobile hoist.

- Centrally placed disabled toilet with room at either side that creates space for a screen or curtain to allow for some privacy.

- Anti-slip flooring to help prevent slips and falls.

- A large waste bin to allow the throwing away of disposal pads.

- Wide tear off paper roll holder to cover the adjustable bench for the prevalence of a clean and safe environment.

There are currently 1681 changing places disabled toilet rooms across the UK with an ongoing campaign for these facilities to be installed in all large public places including shopping centres, venues, arenas and transport providers.

To find the nearest changing places facility you can view their website here.

To find out more about disabled toilet room requirements read our article on disabled toilet sizes.

Great British Toilet Map

The Great British toilet map is the Uk’s largest database of toilet faculties available for the public to use. The maps show the nearest available locations and details the toilet room features including whether there is an accessible toilet on site.

You can visit the website here or download the app.

NKS Radar Key

Upon using the above sites and apps to help with finding public disabled toilets you may want to consider buying a radar key.

The NKS (National Key Scheme) radar key is a physical master key that provides disabled people independent access to over 10,000 disabled toilets across the UK.

How can I get a key?

The Radar key can be ordered from a number of retailers online for approximately £5, this also includes delivery costs. If you are registered as disabled you should be able to buy one VAT free. Genuine retailers include The blue badge company and Disability rights UK.

How does it work?

Once you receive your key, you will be able to open locked public accessible toilets. We always advise that you knock first! There may be someone already using the toilet when you arrive.

Will the Radar key work abroad?

Radar keys do not work abroad but there are other initiatives available including the Euro Key.

Similar to the Radar key The Euro key provides access to over 12,000 locked accessible toilets across The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. It costs approximately €25.

If you are abroad and looking for a toilet you can download the app accessaloo to find an accessible toilet.

To gather further information on finding public disabled toilets or how you can install a disabled bathroom as part of our full design and fit service please call a friendly member of our team or book a free design appointment online.

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