When people think about accessible toilets, they often think of a Doc M facility.
Doc M toilets play an important role in improving accessibility and are suitable for many disabled people. They are a vital part of inclusive design and are required in a wide range of buildings. However, they cannot meet everyone’s needs.
For people with profound and multiple disabilities, or those who require assistance from one or two carers, a standard accessible toilet may simply not provide the space or equipment required to use it safely and with dignity.
Understanding the difference between a Doc M toilet and a Changing Places Toilet is an important step towards creating truly inclusive environments.
Different facilities for different needs
A Doc M toilet is designed to support many people with mobility impairments, helping them transfer independently or with minimal assistance. A Changing Places Toilet is designed for people whose needs are more complex.
It includes features such as:
- An adult-sized height-adjustable changing bench
- Ceiling hoist
- Peninsular WC
- Additional circulation space
- Room for one or two carers
- Privacy screen and accessible wash basin
These additional features aren’t luxuries – they enable people to use the facilities safely, comfortably and with dignity. To be registered as a full Changing Places Toilet by Changing places UK, the facility needs to have all these feature’s. Read more
Why this matters
Imagine spending the day at a shopping centre, museum or sports venue knowing there isn’t anywhere suitable to use the toilet. For many families, that’s the reality.
Without access to a Changing Places Toilet, some people may:
• Cut visits short
• Avoid certain venues altogether
• Have to travel long distances to find suitable facilities
• Be changed in inappropriate or unsafe locations
None of these should be acceptable in modern public spaces. It’s not about replacing Doc M. This isn’t a case of choosing one over the other.
Doc M toilets remain essential and continue to meet the needs of many disabled people. Changing Places Toilets exist because some people require facilities beyond what a Doc M toilet can provide. Providing both ensures organisations can welcome the widest possible range of visitors.
Planning for inclusion
“Who might still be excluded by the facilities we currently provide?”
Often, the answer isn’t about legislation.
It’s about understanding the people who use your building and designing facilities that allow everyone to participate with confidence.
What's next?
Try our interactive Changing Places Toilet opportunity review – a simple planning tool to you think about how a Changing Places Toilet could benefit your venue or business.
Learn more about Changing Places Toilets on one of our bespoke training sessions.
If you’re working on a project and want to ensure accessibility is considered from the outset, our team can help.
From early-stage consultation through to installation, we support architects, contractors, and estates teams in delivering compliant Changing Places facilities in complex environments.