Access Opens up the World

Before I joined the Photosymbols team, I used their library for many years. I made Easy Read documents for my rights-based work and research. This is why Tuesdays are the best day of my week now. New images are added to the library, and I always get excited to see what’s new.

New set: Changing Places Toilets

This week, we have added new pictures of Changing Places Toilets. Over 250,000 disabled people in the UK, many with learning disabilities, find standard accessible toilets are not enough. These people need a clean and dignified space for their personal care. They might need extra equipment such as a hoist, a changing bed, and more space for carers to help them safely and comfortably.

Most people don’t think twice about toilet facilities. But having access to a Changing Places Toilet can decide if a disabled person, along with their family, friends, or carers, can go to a shopping centre, service station, or visitor attraction. For many, it affects big life choices too, like leaving their home, getting a job, or where they can travel. Changing Places Toilets, like many other accessibility options, help open up the world.

The new pictures show what a Changing Places Toilet must have. You can use them to: - Create Easy Read information explaining what these toilets are and what they have. - Join campaigns for better toilet access in your area. - Describe the access in your toilets in an Easy Read visitor guide.

Fresh, relevant and rooted in experience

Each picture in the Photosymbols library shows the real lives of people with learning disabilities. We often work on themed sets, like this one or last week’s on allergies. We explore how to create helpful Easy Read materials on each topic.

We come up with ideas with our Expert Advisers and sometimes bring in experts who have personal experience. Every image is checked by advisers and improved with their feedback. Our team also updates older pictures to keep them fresh and relevant. The library is always changing to stay useful.

Your ideas shape our pictures

Some of the best new pictures in the library come from you. We add many images based on what customers suggest. If you want a new picture added, click the drop-down menu in the top right of the library and select “Suggest Picture.” We read all suggestions and use them to decide what to create next.

Keep the ideas coming

We would love to see your Easy Read materials on Changing Places Toilets. Let us know if you need more pictures on this topic. If you use the picture library often, check back every Tuesday to see what’s new. You might find the perfect images for your next Easy Read project, and you might start looking forward to Tuesdays too.