Accessible toilets can be a dealbreaker when disabled people decide whether to go out. But having one isn't enough — it needs to actually work. Here's what you, your venue, and your community can do right now.
Why accessible toilets matter so much
When disabled people are planning a trip out, accessible toilet provision consistently comes up as one of the most important factors. Not just whether a venue has one — but whether it's clean, unlocked, uncluttered, and actually safe to use. A toilet that exists on paper but isn't fit for purpose is no toilet at all.
That's why we're asking everyone — venues, visitors, and supporters — to take a few simple steps that can make a real difference.
Where's the loo?
If your venue has an accessible toilet, make sure people know about it. Put the details on your website and social media — and make sure your team can confidently direct anyone who asks. Once visitors arrive, clear, visible signage should do the rest.
It sounds simple, but this information is often missing, leaving disabled people to guess or ask, which adds unnecessary stress to what should be a straightforward trip out.
#WheresTheLoo
Cut the clutter
Accessible toilets need space — and that space needs to stay clear. A wheelchair user, or someone who needs room to transfer, can't navigate around a bin wedged into a transfer area or a stack of highchairs that have been squeezed in for convenience.
Have a look around your accessible toilet. Is there anything in there that shouldn't be? Find another home for it. This costs nothing and makes an immediate difference.
#CutTheClutter
Test and tell
When did you last pull the emergency alarm cord in your accessible toilet? If the answer is "never" or "can't remember", that's a problem. These alarms exist for moments when someone is in genuine distress — and they need to work.
Test your alarm. Make sure the red pull cord hangs all the way to the floor — not tied up, not wrapped around grab rails. And make sure your team knows what to do when it goes off.
#TestAndTell
Safer accessible toilets
Far too often, emergency pull cords are tied up, cut short, or wrapped around equipment — meaning someone in distress has no way to raise the alarm. Our Red Cord Cards campaign aims to change that. Order a bundle for your venue and let's set the cords free.
We're a small charity, so donations are always welcome and help us keep the Safer Toilets campaign running.
Review a loo near you
You don't have to own a venue to make a difference. If you've used an accessible toilet recently — good or bad — leave a review on EuansGuide.com. Your experience helps other disabled people make confident decisions about where to go.
Information shared is always information that helps someone.
