top of page
🚻 Toilet for everyone
Design ohne Titel (17).png

Why “Toilet for All”?

​

In Germany there are indeed many accessible toilets, but they are often not sufficient so that all people with disabilities can actually use them. Especially people with severe or multiple disabilities encounter great obstacles here:

  • Normal disabled toilets are too small when an accompanying person is necessary.

  • There are no care benches to attend to adults or children with dignity.

  • Lifting systems are almost never available, so transfers are difficult or even impossible.

For these people and their families this means: An outing, a restaurant visit or a cultural event is often impossible – because the necessary toilet is missing.

​

Why this step is so important:

​

​

  • 👵 Senior women and men: They deserve to spend their last years of life in dignity – with reliable, accessible infrastructure.

​

  • 📈 Forecast: The number of senior women and men will increase significantly in the coming years.

​

  • ♿ Severely disabled people: Even today we have many affected persons in Werne – and the trend is rising.

​

  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Family visits: Families spend leisure time together – a benefit also for the local economy.

​

  • 🌍 Attractiveness of the city: Accessibility makes Werne more attractive – for people with disabilities, seniors, and young families with baby carriages.

​

  • 👶 Young families: They can change their children comfortably, since a care bench offers significantly more space than a conventional changing table.

​

  • 🚑 Safety: A defibrillator and first aid kit provide additional protection – and can save lives in an emergency.

👉 A mobile accessible toilet is therefore far more than a technical solution – it is a sign of dignity, inclusion, and the future viability of our city.

​

What is a “Toilet for All”?

generated-image.png

A “Toilet for All” is a specially equipped restroom that goes beyond standard requirements and is truly open to all people. It offers:

​

✔️ Barrier-free access for wheelchair users
✔️ Sufficient movement space for several people (at least approx. 12 m²)
✔️ A height-adjustable care bench for children, adolescents, and adults
✔️ A ceiling track system or mobile lift for safe transfers
✔️ Height-adjustable toilet and washbasin
✔️ Discreet and hygienic conditions for caregiving activities
✔️ Emergency call options
✔️ Additional equipment as required (e.g. airtight waste container)

 

Project goals

  • Procurement of a mobile “Toilet for All” for Werne

  • Rental via the City of Werne to associations, schools, daycare centers, church communities, and event organizers

  • Cooperation with city administration, gastronomy, associations, self-help groups, companies, and events

  • Obtain foundation funding and additional grants

  • Raise public awareness about the issue of invisible barriers

  • Pilot project in NRW – together with the association “Wheelchair Accessible in the City of Werne” (in formation) and the self-help group “Inclusion Meeting Werne – Barrier-Free Participation”

​

Legal basis

​

Our project is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), which has been valid in Germany since 2009.
Particularly relevant are:

  • Article 8 – Awareness raising

  • Article 21 – Access to information and communication

  • Article 30 – Equal participation in cultural and social life

​

Furthermore, it is constitutionally anchored in Article 3 of the Basic Law:
“No one shall be discriminated against because of their disability.”

​

Other legal foundations also apply:

  • Article 9 UN CRPD – Accessibility: obliges the removal of barriers in all areas of life – including through mobile solutions such as “Toilets for All”.

  • SGB IX (§ 1 and § 4): ensures self-determination and equal participation of people with disabilities and requires appropriate support services.

  • Disability Equality Act (BGG) and state equality laws: demand the barrier-free design of public infrastructure – regardless of whether it is a permanent building or a mobile facility.

  • DIN 18040 (Accessible Construction): is also used for mobile units as a technical standard for movement areas, safety, and equipment.

​

👉 Conclusion: Accessible infrastructure is a human right – and the basis for equal participation for all.

​

​

Who benefits from it?

  • People with severe and multiple disabilities

  • Families and relatives who depend on care

  • Older people with high support needs

  • Young families with children and baby carriages

  • Restaurateurs, organizers, associations, cities that want to be inclusive and attractive

  • The entire urban community through higher quality of life and participation

Examples from across Germany

Here are existing projects and initiatives that show how “Toilet for All” is implemented:

  • Freiburg (Baden-Württemberg) — Car trailer as a mobile “Toilet for All”, equipped with care bench and lifting system; rental for events.

  • Weinheim (Baden-Württemberg) — Mobile toilet trailer, used at local festivals and city celebrations.

  • “Leben pur” Foundation (nationwide) — Mobile container solutions for festivals, city fairs, and Pride events.

  • District of Munich (Bavaria) — Mobile toilet trailers/containers with care bench, ramp, and emergency call.

  • Other providers — Germany-wide rental options for mobile, accessible toilet trailers or containers.

​

👉 Short conclusion: Mobile units are already proven – and that is exactly what we aim for as a flexible pilot project in Werne.

​

Our approach in Werne (NRW pilot project)

​

We, the association “Wheelchair Accessible in the City of Werne” (in formation), together with the self-help group
“Inclusion Meeting Werne – Barrier-Free Participation”, would like to start a pilot project in NRW:

  • Procurement of at least one mobile “Toilet for All”

  • Gather experience in implementation and operation

  • Create a model for other cities in NRW

  • Transparency regarding costs, processes, and equipment

  • Provide support for funding opportunities

  • Assist in sponsorship search and mediation

  • Launch campaigns to raise funds

  • Advocate and negotiate for affordable rental fees so it remains usable for everyone

  • Provide recommendations for planning and concepts

  • Public relations and awareness raising – information events, press work, social media to make the topic visible

People with various disabilities, including wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties and blind people of all ages.
bottom of page