Ciarán is 17 years old and enjoys spending time with friends, going to the cinema and watching the latest movies. Like many young people, he enjoys socialising and being part of activities with his family and friends.

Ciarán wears nappies and requires appropriate changing facilities when out in public. When these facilities are not available, it can make everyday activities difficult, uncomfortable and sometimes impossible to enjoy.

Ciarán was visiting the cinema with family when he needed to use changing facilities.

When they looked for a suitable place to change, they realised the cinema did not have appropriate facilities for teenagers or young adults who require assistance. The available facilities were designed for babies and young children and did not meet Ciarán's needs.

As a result, Ciarán began to feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed. Eventually, he had to leave the cinema early because there was no suitable place for him to be changed.

The experience was upsetting and meant that he would not feel confident returning to that cinema in the future.

Experiences like this can make Ciarán feel:

• Uncomfortable

• Embarrassed

• Isolated

• Sad

• Ignored

• Angry

• Lonely

Instead of enjoying time with family and friends, he was left feeling excluded because the facilities he needed were not available.

Ciarán deserves to feel comfortable and use public facilities just like everyone else.

When appropriate changing facilities are not available, it limits the places he can visit and the activities he can take part in. This can lead to feelings of isolation and make people feel as though their needs have been overlooked.

Everyone should be able to access public spaces with dignity, regardless of their age, disability or support needs.

Creating accessible and appropriate changing facilities can make a huge difference for young people and adults with additional needs.

Helpful changes include:

• Providing suitable changing facilities for teenagers and adults

• Ensuring facilities are accessible and safe

• Recognising that support needs continue beyond childhood

• Training staff to understand accessibility requirements

• Creating environments where everyone feels welcome and respected

These changes help people participate fully in their communities without worrying about whether their needs will be met.