One in two people with Crohn’s or Colitis have had a negative experience when trying to use accessible toilets. Our Not Every Disability is Visible campaign aims to change this, so that people with invisible disabilities can access the facilities they need, as soon as they need them.
Since December 2020, nearly 800 people have written to their local councillor to ask them to put up Not Every Disability is Visible signs on toilets in public buildings and to train staff about invisible conditions.
One of the latest councils to come on board is Swale in Kent, where Not Every Disability is Visible signs have been installed on all accessible toilets.
Councillor Angela Harrison, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing on Swale Borough Council, says: “This nationwide campaign by Crohn’s & Colitis UK is something that we are proud to be part of. We hope these new signs will create an accessible space for those living with any invisible disabilities.”
In Renfrewshire, councillor Audrey Doig received cross-party support for her motion calling on the council to install Not Every Disability is Visible signs. As well as training staff about Crohn’s, Colitis and other invisible disabilities, the council has pledged to encourage shops and shopping centres to install signs on their premises and provide staff training.
Previous editions of Connect Now highlighted the positive example set in Oldham, where councillor Louie Hamblett spearheaded the support of our campaign. Oldham Council has now installed its own signage across its accessible toilets and has updated the accessible toilet facilities information on the council website.
Our 2019 survey showed that 83% of respondents with Crohn’s or Colitis felt more comfortable visiting a venue with our Not Every Disability is Visible signs installed.
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If you haven’t yet written to your councillor, you can still get involved using the template letter on our website.
