NEW Design Standards-1 – Universal Changing Places

Universal Changing Places Design Standards

Overhead floor plan of a Universal Changing Place restroom showing a toilet, sink, adult changing table, doorway, and wheelchair maneuvering space.

A Universal Changing Place provides the space and equipment needed for safe, dignified personal care.

A Universal Changing Place provides the space and equipment needed for safe, dignified
personal care.

A Universal Changing Place is a Family/Companion Care Restroom that includes the following features:

1. Powered height-adjustable adult changing table — Solid-surface table, minimum size 30" × 70", with a minimum 400-pound weight capacity. The table may be freestanding or fold-away, provided it meets applicable technical requirements. Universal Changing Places recommends a solid-surface table for public restroom facilities unless the table is installed with a shower.

2. ADA-required restroom features — An accessible toilet, grab bars, sink, hand-drying provisions, waste receptacle, and other features required for ADA compliance.

3. Adult changing table requirements — Universal Changing Places design standards are based on the technical requirements for adult changing tables established in ANSI Standard A117.1-2023, Section 613.

Current Standards & Codes
ANSI Standard A117.1-2023 — Section 613, Adult Changing Tables
2024 International Building Code (IBC) — Section 1110.4, Adult Changing Facilities

NOTE: The IBC establishes where adult changing facilities are required; ANSI Standard A117.1 - Sec. 613, provides the technical requirements for the adult changing table and its installation.

Universal Changing Places Family/Companion Care Restroom floor plan showing an adult changing table, toilet, sink, wheelchair turning space, and annotated accessibility design requirements.

Conceptual Universal Changing Place Floor Plan

This illustration shows a possible layout for a Universal Changing Place restroom, including a powered adult changing table, accessible toilet, sink, wheelchair turning space, and clearance areas around the equipment.

The drawing is based on our interpretation of ANSI A117.1-2023 accessibility requirements and is intended for educational purposes only. Actual designs should be verified against applicable building codes and technical standards.

Key elements of a Universal Changing Place restroom, illustrated with five accessibility symbols representing essential fixtures and features, including an adult changing table, toilet, sink, wheelchair accessibility, and doorway access.

The illustration above highlights five key elements of a Universal Changing Place restroom: a powered height-adjustable adult changing table for safe, dignified personal care; an accessible toilet with grab bars for support; an accessible lavatory; sufficient maneuvering space for wheelchair users and caregivers; and an accessible entrance with adequate door clearance. Together, these features help create a more inclusive and functional restroom environment.

Suggested Equipment (Conceptual Drawing)

Conceptual rendering of a wall-mounted, powered height-adjustable adult changing table with a horizontal platform and raised safety rails on both sides.

This conceptual drawing illustrates a powered height-adjustable adult changing table featuring a solid-surface platform, protective side rails, and an integrated control panel for adjusting the table height. The wall-mounted design allows the table to be raised or lowered to accommodate individuals and their care providers, supporting safer transfers, accessibility, and dignified personal care.

Planning a Universal Changing Place?

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Universal Changing Places can provide guidance to architects, facility managers, organizations, and communities planning a new Universal Changing Place or improving an existing space.

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