Breaking Barriers - Our Journey
A look at the milestones, media coverage, partnerships, and people who have helped advance Universal Changing Places across the country.
Chapter One - A Movement Begins
What started as a Partners in Policymaking class project quickly grew into a grassroots movement for dignity, accessibility, and inclusion. Inspired by Greyson's experiences, we set out to raise awareness that while ADA-compliant restrooms improve accessibility for many people, they do not meet the personal care needs of everyone. For individuals who require an adult changing table or assistance with personal care, finding a clean, safe place to provide care while away from home remains a challenge in many communities.
One of our earliest advocacy pieces, titled "Our Reality" used this photo to help people see a challenge that many families faced every day. We knew that for people to truly understand the need, they first had to see the problem. The image helped start important conversations about why height-adjustable adult changing tables and thoughtfully designed Family/Companion Care restrooms are essential for preserving dignity, safety, and inclusion.
The articles, interviews, speaking engagements, and community events featured throughout these early years helped bring this issue into the public conversation. Together with families, advocates, industry partners, and community leaders, they laid the foundation for a movement that continues to inspire change today.
Chapter Two - Raising Awareness
As awareness grew, we shared Greyson's story with communities, disability organizations, architects, policymakers, and accessibility advocates. Every presentation, conversation, and community event helped more people understand why accessible powered height adjustable adult changing tables were an essential part of true inclusion.
2017 Jacksonville ADA Coordinator Conference
Sponsored by: Max-Ability/Pressalit
First Universal Changing Places in Florida (2016-2017)
Advocacy in Action
ADA Symposium | Chicago, Illinois | May 2017
Sponsored by: Max-Ability/Pressalit
The Family Cafe | Orlando, Florida | June 2017
Sponsored by: Max-Ability/Pressalit
Chapter Three - Sharing the Message
As awareness continued to grow, local, national, and international media helped share the message even further. These stories introduced millions of people to an issue that had long been overlooked.
Orlando Sentinel Article - Orlando Airport Gets Adult Changing Tables(opens in new tab) - January 27, 2017
NPR Interview on "All Things Considered" - Advocates Support Efforts To Install Public Changing Tables For Disabled Adults(opens in new tab) - May 5, 2017
AmeriDisability -November 2017
Feature article on Universal Changing Places (archived copy not currently available online)
Creating Bathroom Comfort for All - 2018(opens in new tab)
First TV interview with Ashley Garrett of WRBL.tv Channel 3 Columbus Georgia
Pressalit Video - US Case Study
(Featuring Sabrina and Greyson Channing - UCP)
Parenting Special Needs Magazine
Help Make Restrooms MORE Accessible Video
Chapter Four - Movement Takes Flight
Chicago O'Hare
In January 2019, Chicago O'Hare International Airport made headlines for its groundbreaking accessible restroom. Universal Changing Places was interviewed for the news coverage, helping bring greater awareness to the importance of adult changing facilities in public spaces.
The installation also had a special connection to UCP's earlier advocacy efforts. In 2016, Sabrina Kimball spoke at the U.S. Access Board about the need for accessible adult changing facilities. A woman involved in the Chicago O'Hare project later shared with Sabrina that she had attended that presentation and brought the idea back to Chicago, helping inspire the inclusion of an adult changing facility at the airport.
It was a powerful example of how sharing personal experiences and advocating for accessibility can inspire meaningful change, sometimes years later.
After years of advocacy, Universal Changing Places reached an important milestone in 2019 when legislation supporting powered height-adjustable adult changing tables in public restrooms was introduced in the Florida Legislature.
Greyson and I had worked since 2016 to find legislative sponsors willing to bring this need forward. Although the bill was introduced, it was never heard in committee and did not advance to the floor. Still, its introduction marked an important step—from raising awareness to pursuing change through public policy.
It didn't move forward, but we didn't stop.
We entered 2020 with a full year of advocacy and outreach planned, including conferences and events across the country. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought those plans to a halt, Universal Changing Places entered a quieter season.
Yet the need had not disappeared—and neither had the movement. Across the country, communities continued opening adult changing facilities, while advocates and lawmakers in several states began pursuing legislation of their own.
Chapter Five - Greyson's Legacy: Moving Forward
In 2023, our journey changed with the loss of Greyson, the heart and inspiration behind
Universal Changing Places.
But the movement we began together—and the vision he inspired—continued.
In the years that followed, new partnerships and opportunities allowed the work to move forward in new ways.
In 2025, Universal Changing Places worked closely with the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities in support of proposed legislation addressing Universal Changing Places across the state.
Our work included providing input during the development of the legislation, sharing resources and experience gained through years of advocacy, and reaching out to organizations and stakeholders to help build awareness and support.
Chapter Six - The Journey Continues...
With Gratitude
This journey was never ours alone.
Over the years, advocates, families, organizations, businesses, policymakers, and friends have shared their knowledge, opened doors, amplified our message, and encouraged us to keep moving forward.
We are especially grateful to architect Brad Schiffer, whose advice, insight, and guidance helped us navigate important parts of this journey.
To everyone who has supported
Universal Changing Places
through the years—thank you for being part of the movement.
Making Public Restrooms MORE Accessible
Email©2026 Universal Changing Places. All Rights Reserved
©2026 Universal Changing Places.
All Rights Reserved