Accessible toileting in schools with Closomat

Toileting solutions specialists Closomat are advising that school buildings must address more than disability to be inclusive.

This comes as statistics show 1 in 12 school pupils are Muslim, which raises consideration of the religion’s toileting etiquette (Qadaa’ al-Haajah and Istinja) where washing with water is required.

Statistics also show a tenth of pupils have a continence issue, whilst the number of disabled children has increased by over 60% in 25 years and almost 10% of FE students have a disability.

Closomat recommend the installation of a shower (wash and dry) toilet instead of a conventional WC, such as the company’s brand leader, the Palma Vita.

With the appearance of a conventional toilet, and with the ability to be used like one, the version has integrated douching and drying, guaranteeing the user is effectively and consistently cleaned after toileting.

It ensures compliance with Islamic toilet considerations and helps address accessibility needs when the building is open to community use.

It means children with continence problems, or who have had a toilet accident, can be thoroughly clean after an incident.

Also, children with disabilities can develop personal care skills, with less reliance on support staff to assist.

Robin Tuffley, Closomat marketing manager, commented: “Even the new British Standard for accessible and inclusive buildings, which particularly references educational establishments, BS8300:2018, recognises that a shower/wash & dry toilet in place of a conventional WC gives greater dignity and independence.

“Accessibility and inclusion tends to be taken as enabling disabled people to use a building.

“But full inclusion covers racial, religious, cultural and gender considerations. Education is about equipping pupils for life; that includes addressing and teaching them independence, personal skills.

“Schools need to adapt to address this- and that includes the fixtures and fittings, through to the toilets.”

Closomat’s Palma Vita can be fitted initially or retrospectively, with a plethora of accessories to help children with toileting.

The Lima Lifter is another alternative; offering the performance benefits of the Palma Vita, it is fully height-adjustable, allowing it to be lowered for small infants or, equally, raised for adolescents and adults.

Closomat has 55 years’ experience in delivering personal hygiene solutions and has developed a range of equipment and support services that meets every need.

Uniquely, the products are backed up by in-house support, from assessment of requirements, design of an accessible bathroom or washroom to legislative and budgetary requirements, installation and commissioning of equipment, and lifetime maintenance.

Contact:

Closomat
Building 1, Brooklands Place,
Brooklands Road,
Sale,
Cheshire,
M33 6SD,
United Kingdom

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