Disability

Approximately 29,000 people in Knox have a disability of some kind. This equates to 19 percent of Knox's 152,000 residents. By 2011, population forecasts indicate that the age structure of Knox will change with substantially higher proportions of Knox's population in the 65+ age group. This trend means an increase in the proportion of the population living with a disability.

Council's vision is to be responsive, innovative and energetic in developing an accessible and inclusive community that embraces people with disabilities. Council aims to ensure that all Knox residents can participate in and contribute to community life with independence, equity and dignity. Council will achieve this through the co-ordination and provision of a variety of support services and community projects.

Changing Places toilets have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with severe and profound disabilities. Each Changing Places toilet provides:

Users need to bring their own sling for the hoist.

Find out more about Changing Places.

Accessing the toilet

Wally Tew Changing Places toilet is locked. To use the toilet you will need a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). A MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24 hour a day access to special facilities.

An MLAK will open any Changing Places toilet or Liberty Swing across Australia, and other facilities that are fitted with this lock. For more information about the MLAK system, or to get the MLAK application form visit the Master Locksmith Association of Australia website

Eligibility is restricted to people who have a disability and have written authority from a doctor, disability organisation or community health centre.

Alternatively eligible users can borrow a MLAK key from the Ferntree Gully Library during library hours - Location and opening hours

Council's Disability Access Keys are a customised accessibility guide which provides information, prediction, structure, orientation and sensory integration, to help visitors with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment, intellectual disabilities, dementia or Alzheimer’s understand what to expect when visiting Council offices and local Neighbourhood Houses.