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More than 50 years after it first opened, the Ron Short Centre has broken new ground with Guernsey's first fully accessible changing place including height adjustable toilet, sink, and changing table and a moveable hoist.
The charity supporting people with physical and/or sensory impairments opened during the 1970s when the importance of fostering a fully inclusive society was starting to become better understood.
With modern demands on the services it provides, there has been an overhaul of the premises adjacent to Beau Sejour which the Ron Short Centre occupies, with the island's first accessible Changing Place officially opened yesterday.
Pictured: Alex Adamson and Dr Rob Harnish demonstrate the new accessible changing place.
Designed by Changing Places Toilets (CPT), the new facility offers a large space with room for multiple people to manoeuvre along with a full sized and fully adjustable changing bed.
The toilet and sink are both height adjustable and there is a hoist which can be moved across the ceiling freely.
Kelvin Hudson, the Chair of UnLtd - which manages the Ron Short Centre - officially opened the facility yesterday supported by service users and Dr Rob Harnish, the MD of the charity, who said he and others are hoping there will soon be more similar facilities across the Bailiwick.
“This facility opens up new freedoms for islanders with disabilities," he explained. "Our research shows that for a population our size, there should be at least two. We hope ours will help make the case, and will encourage the building of more Changing Places locally.”
Above: Jan Aslett, Dr Rob Harnish, and Alex Adamson, at the official opening of the fully accessible toilet at the Ron Short Centre.
The new bathroom facility has been described as "a new standard of accessibility for changing and toileting" but it will only be open to members of the Ron Short Centre initially, having been paid for with funds raised by the charity.
The overriding message at the official opening on Tuesday morning was that the island needs more accessible changing places and that with States support the one at the Ron Short Centre could be open to members of the public too with just a few adjustments made.
That would include a safety alarm link with Beau Sejour which is staffed for more hours per week than the Ron Short Centre and has first aid trained staff on duty at all times. Additional CCTV would also be needed to ensure the security of the facility and its safekeeping.
Pictured: Kelvin Hudson, the Chair of UnLtd, officially opened the facility yesterday.
There are more than 1,000 fully accessible changing spaces across the UK with Tesco recently pledging to create 100 in its stores.
Jersey has two fully accessible changing facilities and statistically Guernsey should have two according to the Ron Short Centre.
The charity said a lack of such a facility has restricted the lives of many local people.
Parent and carer Jan Aslett said the new accessible changing place will make a huge difference to many people with a range of disabilities.
“The need for Changing Places Toilets cannot be underestimated," she said.
"They mean that those with a broader range of issues around toileting can be attended to in a clean, hygienic, and dignified manner – no more laying on a cold, wet, dirty, unhygienic public toilet floor.
"The main struggle we had in campaigning for Changing Places Toilets was the general lack of understanding of why they are needed. People tended to think a ‘Disabled/Accessible toilet’ was sufficient."
Pictured: Service users, family members and supporters of the Ron Short Centre gathered to learn more about the changing place.
"Having Guernsey’s first CPT on Beau Sejour Centre’s doorstep will mean that more of our community will be able to attend sports and events knowing that there is a nearby, suitable facility should they require it. It is therefore extremely important that it is available outside of The Ron Shorts operating hours.”
Fellow parent and carer, Liz Eddie agreed.
“The changing room will make such a difference to people like myself, who care for a person that is unable to support themselves independently.
"The number of times I have changed my son on a toilet floors, been ushered into a side room etc or had to use a baby change with one leg supporting the underneath.
"This is an amazing achievement to, at last, have somewhere for easy access for my son’s hygiene.
"Well done to all involved and hopefully, as time goes on, we can get another Changing Places perhaps around the harbour.Thank you again Ron Short for all your hard work."
Pictured: Guernsey's first fully accessible retail space will soon open at the Ron Short Centre.
Ongoing work to redevelop the Ron Short Centre has opened up the charity's central space with accessible plugs so service users can take part in activities more easily.
A new shop - the island's first fully accessible retail space - is due to open shortly too alongside the other services the Ron Short Centre already offers.
Pictured top: Alex Adamson and Dr Rob Harnish demonstrating the new changing place yesterday.
Guernsey gets first accessible changing space
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