York Mum launches petition to improve disabled toilet facilities for children
Ella Dean is campaigning for accessible changing areas in public spaces
A York Mum has launched a petition to advocate for improved disabled toilet facilities across the UK, specifically designed to cater to children and young adults with special needs.
Ella Dean's daughter Ada is nearly four years old and cannot independently use traditional toilets due to her disabilities.
Ella Dean said: “We can't change her unless we're prepared to use the floor, so it makes life very challenging for everybody involved. It really restricts where we can go, how long we're out for.”
Using platforms like TikTok and engaging with local community groups, Ella discovered that many families nationwide experience similar difficulties. She highlights the absence of adequate changing facilities that isolates thousands of children and limits their ability to leave home.
“It’s actually a very isolated situation to be in, so I started speaking to parents about it and discovered there are thousands of children across the UK who are isolated at home or are very limited to the amount of time that they can go out.”
The campaign urges a reevaluation of the guidelines surrounding disabled toilets, advocating for clearer requirements that compel venues to better utilise existing spaces. “Currently the law actually only says that they need to make reasonable adjustments, but it doesn't actually say what that means,” Ella noted.
“This isn't just about disabled children—it's about everybody and all people being able to have access to these facilities.”
“Ada spends the majority of her life constantly having to be in and out of hospitals, and when you're restricted with what you can actually do, it just means that magic gets taken away from them when they're already having to fight so hard.”
Ella's petition aims to gather 10,000 signatures to prompt parliamentary discussion, seeking answers and action to make existing facilities more accessible.
She also stressed the need for community support: “If anybody knows anyone in this position, share the petition. The more signatures we get, the closer we are to seeing change.”
You can see the petition by clicking here