We’re asking the Dunedin City Council to include an accessible toilet and changing facility suitable for older and larger disabled children and their caregivers in the upcoming bathroom redevelopment.

I know it might be a bit late, but the public didn’t find out about the renovations until reading today’s paper.

I’d really like the Council to consider including a proper, larger changing space for disabled children, not just a standard baby-sized changing table. 

I understand that Council has limited money and that people have concerns about public spending. I’m not asking for something unnecessary or extravagant.

I’m asking for them to do it once, do it properly, and make it work for ALL kids and their whānau.

At the moment, the closest accessible bathroom facilities are down near the railway station, which is a long way from the playground, 5 kilometres. 

Adding a little personal story here, but this particular park means a lot to our family. When my son was three, he had finally gained enough strength to sit in the baby swing. For the first time ever, his dad and I got to put our child in a swing and push him. It sounds like such a tiny, ordinary childhood experience, but for us it was absolutely enormous. All kids should get to experience that joy.

This isn't just about disabled kids. A bigger, properly designed changing space can benefit families with older children, children with additional needs, children who aren't toilet trained, and anyone who needs a bit more space and assistance. There are many disabled children and whānau in Dunedin, and I know we're not the only family who has had to figure out how to change an older disabled child somewhere that really isn't designed for it.

Please sign this petition if you support this change. Even if you've never personally needed a facility like this, I think it’s important to support the principle of making our public spaces genuinely accessible to everyone.