For the 4 million Australians affected with a disability, the simple act of using public toilets isn't just a matter of convenience, but one of human rights. Of the 22,000 public toilets listed on the federal government's National Public Toilet Map, only half are listed as accessible.
Despite the "Disability Access to Premises Building Standards 2010" which is designed to ensure dignified access to buildings, failure to comply to such standards is commonplace in the construction industry, even with newer projects.
As such, a 2021 review of the premises standards has deemed the need for improved regulations regarding accessible carparks, automatic doors and dimensions of openings to public facilities necessary to improve outcomes for people with disabilities, ensuring that the building industry meets their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.
WIth an increased understanding of this issue affecting disabled Australians, the government will work with state and territory governments, as well as relevant stakeholders (such as the Australian Human Rights Commision) to progress the opportunities for action, making accesible public facilities commonplace in the community.
For more information, please visit: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-21/why-more-toilets-need-to-be-accessible/100593506
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