Accessible Toilets

What is an accessible toilet

An accessible toilet is a toilet that has been designed to accommodate people with disabilities and long term health conditions.

The purpose of an accessible toilet should be to enable disabled people to gain prompt access to facilities that might be different from regular toilets in terms of the available space, layout, equipment, flooring or lighting.

The National Key Scheme/RADAR Keys

The National Key Scheme (NKS), previously referred to as RADAR keys, offer disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) locks can be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores, bus and train stations and many other places.

Where can I purchase an NKS?

You can buy from Disability Rights UK through their website. Keys cost £6, or £5 if you are eligible for VAT Relief. Additionally, some local authorities have one-stop-shops or local charities that you can get them from. You may need to provide proof of your disability when buying one. Here is a list of locations you can purchase a NKS key:

Scottish Borders

The keys are available over the counter from Council Contact Centres.  Proof of disability has to be given. Search for Scottish Borders Council Contact Centres.

Edinburgh

Keys can be purchased from the Grapevine service for £3 each or posted out to you for £3.50. To collect a Radar Key from Grapevine you need to make sure that you arrange a pick-up time in advance from their offices to ensure that someone is available. Location: Norton Park, 57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY.

Falkirk

You can collect an application form from your local One Stop Shop. If you are eligible, your first key will be provided free of charge.

Fife

You can buy Keys in person at any of the Fife locations listed below: Fife library, Fife museum or Fife theatres  – maps are available on these links and keys cost £3.50.

Glasgow and Clyde Valley

You can purchase Keys from both Mobility Solutions shops. They are based at 75 Hawthorn Street, Glasgow G22 6HY and Mobility Solutions Dobbies Sandyholm, Crossford by Carluke, Lanarkshire ML8 5QF

Greenock

You can purchase Keys from Inverclyde Council on Disability (IOCD). They are based at 10 Clyde Square, Greenock Inverclyde, PA15 1NB Telephone: 01475 732700

Skye

You can purchase a Key during Highland Council Portree office hours at Tigh na Sgire, Portree.

Midlothian

Forward Mid sell Keys and are based at MVA, 4-6 White Hart Street, Dalkeith EH22 1AE

Moray

You can purchase Keys from Moray Resource Centre located at Maisondieu Road, Elgin, IV30 1RX. Telephone them on 01343 551339. Additionally, Shopmobility in Elgin stock them. Located at 59 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1EE. Telephone: 01343 552528 

Perth

You can contact the Council Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000 to inquire about a Key.

Stirling

You can contact the Council Customer Service Centre on 01786 233240.

West Lothian

You can purchase a Key from The Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road, Livingston EH54 8PT.

For further information check out the Disability Rights UK Key Flyer.

Changing Places

Although there are accessible toilets throughout Scotland, many people with disabilities often need extra facilities to allow them to use toilets safely and comfortably. A campaign was launched to provide toilets with enough room for a wheelchair and 2 carers, a hoist and an adult–sized, height adjustable changing bench. These are known as Changing Place Toilets, and there are roughly 150 throughout Scotland. In February 2009, Changing Places toilets were included in the British Standards BS8300, this means that they should be included in all new larger buildings and complexes such as:

• Large railway stations & airports
• Sports & leisure facilities
• Cultural centres such as concert halls and art galleries
• Shopping centres
• Health facilities such as hospitals

Each Changing Places toilet provides:

The right equipment
– a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
– a tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible.

Enough space
– adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
– a centrally placed toilet with room either side
– a screen or curtain to allow some privacy.

A safe and clean environment
– wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
– a large waste bin for disposable pads
– a non-slip floor.

For further information, you can visit the Changing Places website

Where to find a Changing Place Toilet

PAMIS (an organisation helping people with profound and multiple learning disabilities) has compiled a Directory of Changing Place toilets in Scotland.

Other Schemes