Australia’s beaches are the envy of the world, but for too many Australians, a day at the beach is made more difficult – if not impossible – by lack of access to a bathroom.
“It’s the first thing we look for when we’re heading to the beach with our son, Braeden,” says Julie Jones (Executive Editor, Travel Without Limits). “He lives with cerebral palsy, and so we really need the additional space an accessible bathroom provides.”
“Millions of other Australian families are in the same boat. They need an adult-sized change table, a hoist for transfers, or even simply grab rails for support in the toilet. It’s not fair that they should have to miss out on the essential Aussie experience of a day at the beach for lack of a bathroom that suits their needs.”
That’s why Julie wants to celebrate local councils, Surf Life Saving Clubs, and other organisations that are making days at the beach possible for Australians who live with a disability. The inaugural Best Accessible Bathroom Award will be chosen from public submissions via the Travel Without Limits website, and announced on International Day of People With Disabilities (3 December).
Beachwheels Australia is partnering with Travel Without Limits to sponsor the Best Accessible Bathroom Awards. They see first-hand how an accessible bathroom can make all the difference.
“At Beachwheels Australia, we believe that the beauty of Australian beaches should be accessible to everyone,” says Drew Valentine (Director, Beachwheels Australia). “Public spaces, including accessible bathrooms, play a crucial role in ensuring people with disabilities can enjoy beach days just like anyone else.”
“We are thrilled to support the Best Accessible Bathroom Awards and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility. We hope initiatives like these spark meaningful conversations about access and inspire positive change.”
Know a great accessible loo? Submit your nomination for the Best Accessible Bathroom Awards 2024 here.
