Public restrooms need adult changing tables
Having two older and active sisters, our daughter Alaina has been on the go since she was a baby. We call her our social butterfly, because she loves to be around people. In non-pandemic times, she enjoys attending Martin Methodist Redhawks volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball games, and going to the mall to people-watch.
Alaina also has autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a disability called Phelan Mcdermid Syndrome, along with other complex medical needs. Being out in her community has gotten harder as Alaina has grown. One of the main barriers is one not many people think about: access to appropriate and accessible changing tables.
Approximately 200,000 Tennesseans (4% of the population) need help with one or more activities of daily living. Help with toileting is a common need for adults who are aging or have disabilities and other conditions. Many adults and children need access to changing spaces that are larger than a baby changing table. Everyone deserves a safe, dignified and clean toileting experience.
Though the need exists widely, most communities do not have any adultsized changing tables. We have had to lay Alaina on the nasty bathroom floor, take her to our van to change her on the floor, or simply stay at home. It affects the entire family.
This is not in line with civil rights and disability laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead Act. Most people are not aware of this problem. That’s I am sharing my story with state legislators this year. I will be asking them to pass legislation to increase universal changing spaces in Tennessee.
Universal changing spaces are height-adjustable, adult-sized changing tables. This means the table is the length of an average adult when they lay down and can go up and down so the person does not have to be lifted. This is safer for the person and their supporter, while also still accommodating babies.
Other states are starting to pass laws requiring universal changing tables in public spaces. In Arizona, a new law requires publicly-funded renovations or new buildings to include an adult changing table in family restrooms. Florida is considering a law that would require many public areas to have an enclosed, assisted-use toilet area. Similar bills have been proposed in multiple states.
Policymakers, businesses and advocates need to hear more stories to understand the need and the policy options to address this problem. Let’s make the world accessible and dignified for all of us.
For more information and to get involved, visit the Changing Spaces Campaign, the Facebook page of Changing Spaces USA and the Facebook page for the Tennessee Chapter of Changing Spaces.
Chrissy Hood is the chair of the Connecting the Journey: Special Needs Support Group and also serves as family liaison and volunteer for the Unlimited Special Needs Ministry.