Handicap International Sri Lanka Aleema Shivji Toileting Handicap International Sri Lanka Aleema Shivji

There are many reasons why a person with disability has difficulty using the toilet: The person has never been ‘toilet trained’ (toilet training means being able to control the need to toilet) Due to disability, a person is no longer able to control the need to toilet The person is not able to get to the toilet because they have difficulty moving The person is not able to use the traditional (squat) position for toileting A person with disability (adult or child) should use the toilet if possible. It is much cleaner and makes the person more independent than toileting in their clothes.

1. The person has never been ‘toilet trained’ (toilet training means being able to control the need to toilet) Children with slow development or physical disability may take longer than healthy children to become toilet trained. Sometimes the parents do not take the time to train their child with disability to become toilet trained. With some time and training, it may be possible for the child to become toilet trained, no matter how old she is.

2. Due to disability, a person is no longer able to control the need to toilet There are special methods the person may be able to learn to help them to control toileting. The person can get more information from the doctor or nurse at the nearby clinic or hospital.

3. The person is not able to get to the toilet because they have difficulty moving The path to the toilet may need to be smoothed Better steps or a ramp may be needed to enter the toilet The toilet may need to be moved to a closer location

3. The person is not able to get to the toilet because they have difficulty moving The person may need crutches, a wheelchair or another mobility aid to help get to the toilet

4. The person is not able to use the traditional (squat) position for toileting Many different positions can be used for toileting There are many aids that can be used to help someone find a comfortable position for toileting Try to find a sitting or squatting position for toileting

4. The person is not able to use the traditional (squat) position for toileting If a sitting position is not possible, a lying position may be used See the pictures on the handout for more ideas