Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)
 | 24/7 access to accessible public facilities for people with a disabilityThe Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system is a Master Locksmiths initiative that allows people with disability access to dedicated public facilities. This includes facilities in National Parks and many Council municipalities, elevators at railway stations, the new Changing Places facilities throughout Australia, disabled toilets that are locked, and even the Liberty Swing. High Security Master Keyed Systems are designed to incorporate a Top-Level Master Key or Grand Master Key that can open all locks on a site, even if different areas have different dedicated keys. It was launched back in 1994 as a joint venture between Pittwater Council, ACROD and the Master Locksmiths Association, before being implemented Nationally. People with a disability are able to purchase an MLAK key that will open all doors, toilets, playground equipment and other facilities fitted with a lock that uses the special MLAK cylinder. |
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Who's Eligible?Eligibility is restricted to people who have a disability or have written authority from one of the following:
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| Changing Places
Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities and their carer’s. Each facility has a height adjustable adult change table, a tracking hoist system, and room for two people either side of a peninsula toilet, in a safe and clean environment. To find out more about Changing Places go to www.changingplaces.org.au All Changing Places facilities throughout Australia are fitted with an MLAK-enabled locking device, allowing the front door to be opened with an access controlled system. It also uses the latest security features like Restricted Key Systems and Key Management for all Key Profiles. |
Where to find an MLAK enabled facility?
Many local councils throughout Australia have implemented the MLAK system and can tell you where you can find an MLAK-enabled facility in your area. The National Toilet Map is a Federally funded initiative developed and maintained by Health Department as part of the National Continence Program. The National Public Toilet Map provides information on over 19,000 public available toilets across Australia, including accessibility, opening hours and facilities, such as showers and baby change. The National Public Toilet Map is also available as a free app for iPhone and for Android phones and tablets. The Liberty Swing is a world-first Australian innovation – a swing that allows children in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the joy of having a swing in the park. The Liberty Swing can only be utilised with the use of the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). |
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The decision to implement high security Master Key Systems is a Council decision. The system is designed to improve access, and not to restrict use, for people with disability. MLAK-enabled facilities (excluding Changing Places facilities) should remain unlocked during daylight hours, or when co-located with unlocked general public toilets.
The MLAK system should alleviate the difficulty faced by people with a disability in finding an accessible toilet that is open after hours.
|  Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd, Ground Floor, 470 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
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+61 3 9994 1557
