“It’s the difference between staying at home and going out and participating in the world.”
The mother of a boy with Down’s syndrome has commended Ikea for its efforts to make shopping more inclusive.
The Swedish retailer, which has a large store in Ballymun in Dublin, has adapted its toilets to make them easier for disabled people to use .
Aisling McNiffe’s 11-year-old son Jack is wheelchair-bound and requires constant care and assistance.
She contacted Dublin Live to praise Ikea’s bathroom facilities.
“It makes a huge difference to the lives of people with disabilities who otherwise have to build their days around needing to use the toilet or change continence wear,” she said.
“It’s life-changing. It’s the difference between staying at home and going out and participating in the world.”
She explained that the bathroom doors open with a button on the wall. Inside, there is a hoist and changing bench, as well as an adjustable sink.
“I thought that was particularly impressive as my son is very small and he was able to put his hands in the sink from his wheelchair then I was able to higher it to wash my own hands,” said Aisling.
She was also pleased that the toilet there could wash and dry the user.
“It means so much to be able to go out and about and be able to use the bathroom hygienically like everyone else,” she added.
“Toileting is a basic human necessity and every single person should be catered for everywhere.
“Shopping centres, swimming pools, cinemas, hotels and hospitals must follow Ikea’s lead. It’s a basic human right to be able to use the bathroom.”
