{"id":1297,"date":"2026-08-22T18:37:37","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T22:37:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/universalchangingplaces.org\/?page_id=1297"},"modified":"2026-10-16T22:03:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T02:03:18","slug":"what-is-a-universal-changing-place","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/universalchangingplaces.org\/index.php\/what-is-a-universal-changing-place\/","title":{"rendered":"NEW What Is A Universal Changing Place"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\t\t\tWhat is a Universal Changing Place?\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Conceptual\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Conceptual Rendering – Universal Changing Place Restroom<\/em><\/p>\n\t

A Universal Changing Place is a Family\/Companion Care Restroom<\/strong> designed for individuals who cannot safely or comfortably use a standard accessible restroom.<\/p>\n

At the heart of the room is a powered height-adjustable adult changing table<\/strong>, with a minimum changing surface of 30″ x 70″<\/strong>. The room also includes the accessible features expected in an ADA-compliant restroom, including an accessible toilet and grab bars, lavatory, waste receptacle, hand-drying options, and adequate maneuvering space.<\/p>\n

Universal Changing Places<\/strong> recommends planning the room around the required clearances for each fixture and element (ANSI Standard A117.1-2023, Section 613), with additional space encouraged whenever possible. These rooms provide a safer, more dignified option for individuals who need assistance with personal care while away from home.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tInspired by Changing Places UK\t<\/h2>\n\t

Universal Changing Places was inspired by the Changing Places movement in the United Kingdom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

When Greyson and I discovered Changing Places, we found a movement advocating for something we knew was desperately needed here in the United States: public restrooms designed for people who require more space, specialized equipment, and assistance from a care provider.<\/p>\n

The Changing Places campaign officially launched in the United Kingdom in 2006 and has helped spark an international movement focused on dignity, safety, and greater access to everyday community life.<\/p>\n

Their work inspired Greyson and me to begin advocating for more accessible restroom facilities here in the United States, while adapting the concept to the American restroom environment.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Changing\n\t<\/figure>\nVisit Changing Places UK(opens in new tab)<\/a>

\n\t\t\tWho Needs Them – Why They Matter!\t<\/h2>\n\t

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 <\/p>\nUniversal Changing Places provide the space, equipment, privacy, and dignity
\nneeded to make communities more inclusive for everyone.\nA restroom should never determine whether
\nsomeone can participate in everyday life.<\/strong>\n

\n\t\t\tThe DREAM – Where Do We Go From Here?\t<\/h2>\n\t

A Universal Changing Place can meet an immediate need today. But we believe accessible restroom design can go even further.<\/p>\n

Our vision for the future is a fully inclusive Family\/Companion Care Restroom designed not only around accessibility requirements, but around the real-world needs of the individual and the care providers assisting them.<\/p>\n

The Dream includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n