Campaigner Kerry Thompson spoke to colleagues at Tesco in Llandrindod Wells about the importance of the new Changing Places toilets that have recently been installed in the store.
The retailer has been working with the Changing Places Consortium – which is co-chaired by Muscular Dystrophy UK – and OpeMed to provide Changing Places toilets in target areas where there is the greatest need.
Tesco has now installed more than 30 of the new fully-accessible toilets at its UK stores. The toilets are bigger than standard disabled toilet facilities and therefore much easier to use for wheelchair users like Kerry.
Kerry said: “The biggest challenge I face when going anywhere is when it comes to using disabled toilets. I find some are simply too small to fit me, my wheelchair and hubby – it can sometimes feel very claustrophobic.
“Having to plan where to go for a meal or do my shopping based on whether the disabled toilets are suitable makes things difficult. I have to limit what I drink just in case the disabled toilet isn’t big enough or not got the right equipment to help me. Other times I find myself limiting my time out because you just can’t risk the embarrassment of having an accident. I shouldn’t have to worry about the most basic thing we all need to do.
“It was great to get the opportunity to speak to Tesco and tell them why these facilities are so important. I think being in the same room and telling them face to face really helped and I’m so pleased they’re installing more toilets, I know it will make a trip to the supermarket a little bit easier for people like me.”