Derby Lib Dems Secure Improvements for Hidden Disabilities

We're all familiar with public buildings having adapted toilets available for disabled people. These are designed to ensure that, for those who need them, they can rely on there being a toilet they can use and not have to play it safe and stay at home.

Sadly though, for many disabled people who need such facilities, they face stigma when trying to use them. People with invisible disabilities such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can face stigma or even accusations from staff when they try to use these facilities, in spite of needing them and being eligible to use them.

Now, thanks to work by Derby Lib Dem Councillors, Derby City Council is committed to improve facilities for people with invisible disabilities.

Cllr Joe Naitta said "It's easy to forget how critical toilets are until you can't use them. Nobody wants to be trapped at home, afraid to go out, but that's the reality for sufferers of Crohn's or ulcerative colitis if they don't have good toilet facilities they can use with confidence.

"I'm proud that we've been able to commit the Council to modifying all signage in Council buildings to make clear that our toilets are accessible, not all disabilities are visible, and to work with businesses to do the same. And I'm also proud that we'll now be working with Crohn's and Colitis UK to ensure staff can properly understand the needs of sufferers, and to ensure that Changing Places toilets are included in future plans for new public buildings across Derby.

"We need facilities that are suitable for everyone, not just for some, and this is a great step to making invisible conditions visible and helping more people. Together we can make Derby a better place to live for everyone."