Disability History month

Bexley will once again show their support for UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) this year.

UKDHM is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of disabled people which runs from 16 November to 16 December. It gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of the services available and to examine our approaches to disabled people.

The theme this year is Disability, Children and Youth.

UK Disability History Month logo

Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing, Cllr Sue Gower MBE said:

Disability History Month is a chance to recognise and embrace diversity and the ways people navigate the world. Having a disability or long-term health condition, whether visible or hidden, deserves recognition and more importantly acceptance."

Since it first took place in 2010, UKDHM has become a great success, running events, providing resources and giving a voice to disabled and differently abled people across the UK. Bexley has a wide range of services on offer for children and young people with disabilities with specialist teams who are responsible for the assessment and ongoing support for children and young adults up to the age of 25.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and do our best to support staff with physical and mental health conditions, a disability or neurodiversity

For services available visit the Bexley Local Offer website

disability confident employer logo

Changing Place facilities

Changing Place facilities are designed so that they are completely accessible and provide sufficient space and equipment for people who are not able to use the toilet independently.

They are an extra facility, that is provided in addition to accessible toilets. Changing Place facilities have additional features such as extra space for a disabled person and two carers, a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench and a tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist.

You should only access a Changing Places facility if your disability requires the specialist equipment provided if it does not you should use the accessible toilets.

Changing Place facilities enable those with severe disabilities to enjoy day-to-day activities that many of us take for granted and using them correctly can really make a difference. There is a Changing Place in the Broadway Shopping Centre that is open during shopping hours. This has a key scheme lock and only those registered with a disability can apply for a RADAR key to gain access.

The new Sidcup Storyteller is also home to a Changing Place facility and the Council are looking at the possibility of another Changing Place facility in Erith.