BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh 9^th December 2014

The ‘Keys to Life Strategy’ is Scotland’s strategy on learning disability. Launched in 2013, it builds on the success of ‘The same as you?’, the previous strategy which was published in 2000 following a review of services for people with learning disabilities.

The Strategy made 52 recommendations, of which no 44 committed to ensure that Scotland had 100 Changing Places facilities by June 2015. It tasked PAMIS with forming a sub-group to ensure that this happened, and PAMIS asked SDEF to be part of that group.

A Changing Places facility is a larger than standard disabled toilet and include a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist and enough room for a wheelchair and up to two carers.

PAMIS and SDEF opened the 100^th Changing Places facility at Murrayfield 7 months ahead of schedule, on the 9^th December 2014. During the opening, guests heard from Loretto Lambe, CEO of PAMIS, Mark McDonald MSP, parents of children with profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD), Ian Rankin President of the Scottish Rugby Union, and Robert Ferguson, SDEF’s Disability Access Officer.

Guests were treated to a lively warm up from Trust International Games, which involved teaching people to pass rugby balls, clap, and ask questions all at the same time!! Suffice to say we don’t think the current Scottish Rugby team has much to worry about…!

In his speech Robert called for a Scottish Changing Places Strategy, to deliver the next 100 Changing Places! SDEF, PAMIS, the Scottish Government and Access Panels will work together to deliver this.

The speeches were drawn to a close by a rousing performance from Indepen-dance, which is an inclusive dance development company offering creative movement classes to people with diverse abilities.

Kelsea Laird and Mark McDonald then cut the ribbon and officially opened the facility, which is located near to the shop and will be open to all who need it.

Finally, the day finished with a tour of BT Murrayfield Stadium. A big thank you to all who attended, and to Candice for supplying the cake!