Question, what do you look for while at an event for a few hours? Better yet, while running errands for a few hours, what do you stop and look for?
If your answer was a restroom, you’re correct.
What would you do if you couldn’t use the restroom while you were out in the community? Let that sink in for a minute.
Did you know there are many individuals with disabilities who don’t have the accommodation of being able to use the restroom while in the community? Most facilities don’t have adult changing spaces with changing tables.
An adult changing table is just what it sounds like. Anyone 400 pounds or less can use the table. The table could be put in a current accessible stall, or if you want to be very inclusive, a separate restroom on premises for the adult changing table could be added as the best accommodation. However the world sees fit, we’ll take it, just make it happen.
Specific measurements would need to be made to make it fit. Yes, there’s a cost, but there’s grant money to assist companies/facilities with that. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do for full inclusion.
If you’re wondering why you’ve never heard about changing tables before now, it’s probably because like with many things for people with disabilities, it gets swept under the rug. I’m just keeping it real.
Like I’ve said before, unless disabilities affect you or someone you love, they’re quickly to be forgotten about. But not this time, for it’s too important. One thing the disability community has been fighting for, for a long time, is community integration. To be fully integrated, there needs to be restrooms with a changing table for one to access.
Think about it, being able to use a restroom in whatever way you do, is a civil right in my book. This subject makes me feel like we’re back in the 60’s when there were black and white restrooms. The only thing different in this case is people that need changing tables, have been left out altogether, and it’s truly not fair.
At full disclosure, changing tables do not personally affect me, but it affects my community. When something affects my community, I’m all in. I ask you to help push this important issue to get as many changing tables in the community as possible.
If you still don’t think changing tables are a necessity, the next time you have to use the restroom while you’re out, don’t. See how you feel.
A small start could be with our legislatures, as well as what you have done. Thanks for sharing with us Shari.