Perhaps not a topic you would immediately consider to be employment related by have you ever considered just how important access to bathrooms is for your co-workers and employees with disabilities? ? 

Well, today (Nov 19, 2024) is World Toilet Day, a global day created by the UN. It’s also International Men’s Day for anyone playing along at home.  

On the most basic of levels, we all understand that accessible toilets in the workplace and public areas are designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

The key features of accessible toilets could include: 

• Height adjustable grab rails 
• Lower toilet bowls 
• Sufficient space for a manual or powerchair 
• Shelving 
• Automatic doors 

Unfortunately, accessible bathrooms are extremely limited and when they are, it’s not uncommon to find them *cough* occupied for long periods of time! We’ve all heard the jokes, but I assure you, for people with disabilities, toilet personal care routines are no laughing matter. 

To make sure that PWD have access when they need it, the MLAK (Master Locksmiths Access Key) a Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) initiative is a universal lock and key to allow people with disabilities 24 hours a day access to public facilities in public spaces.  

 Our Building Employer Confidence Program is a one-stop-shop in understanding your requirements and how to be an inclusive employer. We take you through topics like this and much more when we undertake our Initial Disability Inclusion Assessment. You can find out more here

So now you know! 

Something to think about next time you’re in the office bathroom – do they work for you? And ALL your co-workers? 

If you want to read more information about accessible bathrooms to help you or a co-worker, visit the SCIA Resource Hub