Inclusive education is more than disability
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August 16, 2018
School buildings need to be equipped to address more than disability to be inclusive, advises the provider of accessible toileting solutions, Closomat.
The advice comes as new figures reveal the country’s changing social make-up:
- One in 12 pupils are officially classed as Muslim, prompting consideration to be given to the faith’s toileting etiquette (Qadaa’ al-Haajah and istinja) where washing with water is required.
- A tenth of pupils have a continence issue.
- The number of disabled children has increased by more than 60% in 25 years.
- Almost 10% of further students have a disability.
The simple solution is the installation of a shower (wash and dry) toilet in place of a conventional WC, such as the Closomat Palma Vita. Looking like, and capable of being used as a conventional toilet, the version has integrated douching and drying. It is said to ensure the user is effectively and consistently cleaned after toileting.
It ensures compliance with Islamic toilet considerations. It also reportedly helps address accessibility needs where relevant out of school hours when the building is open to community use. It is said to ensure children with continence problems, or who have had a toilet accident, are enabled to be thoroughly clean after an incident.
It reportedly means children with disabilities can develop personal care skills without relying of support staff to assist.
“Even the new British Standard for accessible and inclusive buildings – which particularly references educational establishments, BS8300:2018, recognises that a shower/ wash and dry toilet in place of a conventional WC gives greater dignity and independence,” observes Robin Tuffley, Closomat marketing manager.
“Accessibility and inclusion tends to be taken as enabling disabled people to use a building. But full inclusion covers racial, religious, cultural and gender considerations. Education is about equipping pupils for life; that includes addressing and teaching them independence. Schools need to adapt to address this – and that includes the fixtures and fittings, through to the toilets.”
Closomat’s Palma Vita can be fitted initially or retrospectively with a raft of accessories to help children, able or with special needs, including paediatric support systems. The Lima Lifter is said to offer the performance benefits of the Palma Vita, but is fully height-adjustable, enabling it to be lowered for small infants or raised for adolescents and adults.
