The idea
We want to install a wheelchair accessible swing in an already identified,perfect location,approved by Crawley Borough Council, within the play area at Maidenbower Park. We will then look at the possibility of installing a form of hoist assisted toilet within the MPCC social club's disabled toilet, in order to make the whole facility fully accessible to all, as it currently isn't in it's present form and the MPCC recognise this and wish to be as inclusive as possible and reach out to the whole community.
Local social media has expressed a need for these facilities and I myself (Maria Cook) as a parent/carer need it too for my son. The local parent/carers within the disabled community are crying out for accessible places to help engage the people they care for in regular activities, so often taken for granted by others and to also enable them to access the community just like anyone else. Vital facilities like these give some very deserving, wonderful people a basic human right back.
What we'll deliver
- Install a wheelchair accessible swing
- Use best endeavours to install a hoist assisted toilet
- Encourage and promote accessibility and inclusion
Why it's a great idea
The disabled community,meaning those not only relying on wheelchair&carer(s) assistance,but also those with hidden disabilities as well,are so restricted when it comes to accessible facilities&leisure activities,but WE CAN make it better for them&give them a fully accessible opportunity to access the community&partake in everyday activities which are taken for granted by so many. Installing a wheelchair swing will make a difference to so many wonderful people who currently haven't much choice on where to go locally to access a park. Installing a hoist assisted toilet facility with an adult-sized, height adjustable changing bench&hoist will then make the area fully accessible&inclusive for everyone's needs. Currently, carers are having to lay the people they care for on toilet floors to change them, which isn't safe, hygienic, nor dignified. None of us would walk into a public toilet in bare feet, so why should we lay our loved ones on the floor? We just want inclusion for all.
Steps to get it done
- Source reputable swing provider via CBC.
- Clear designated and make ready for install.
- Source reputable installer via CBC.
Parent/carers are currently so restricted as to where they can go to access the community for fun activities. At present Crawley only has one wheelchair accessible swing at Cherry Lane, but there is no hoist assisted toilet there. The only hoist assisted toilets in Crawley are at The County Mall, K2, Tilgate Nature Centre and The Springboard Project. How wonderful would it be to make MPCC the first fully inclusive&accessible park in Crawley, giving people the chance to enjoy lovely activities together, meet friends, stay and have a coffee and/or some lunch, safe in the knowledge that they don't have to leave very quickly because the person they care for requires to have their toileting needs met appropriately elsewhere ie at home. For parent/carers like myself (Maria Cook) this is priceless and so needed. WE CAN help improve facilities to promote inclusion and accessibility. WE CAN give people a basic human right back.
