Recently, Gov. Dan McKee, Rhode Island, signed legislation that builds upon the need for accessible features across all restrooms. McKee gave his seal of approval for a bill that mandates the creation and maintenance of at least one universal changing station per restroom in all newly constructed public facilities in the state. The appointment of these inclusive assets, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, will afford teenagers and adults with disabilities the dignity they are entitled to when interacting with communal spaces, as shared by UpNorthLive and WPRI 12. 

Universal changing stations are a necessary innovation that meets the needs of individuals with disabilities. The device design promotes safe and hygienic processes—not only supporting those with needs, but also their care providers. Presently, restrooms act as a barrier to those who require space, privacy, and additional measures to fulfill their fundamental needs. 

This law, which goes into effect in 2027, acknowledges the state’s existing, exclusive infrastructure and seeks to remedy it for their community. Several other states have established their own legalities to improve restroom equity, as stated in an article on Patch. Yet, in both the planning, building, and managing of facilities, there remains a lack of awareness and action regarding inclusive restrooms.  

Michigan resident Joshua Taylor’s mission is to make this topic a mainstream matter. An advocate of the Michigan Chapter of Changing Spaces Campaign, this subject is of importance to him due to his own personal encounters in outdated, standard restrooms, as reported by CBS News.  

“Through the advocacy of myself, through the advocacy of countless others, we’re hoping to get as many places as possible to have adult changing tables available.” Taylor shares with CBS News.  

Facility managers across the United States can champion the right to have a humane restroom experience for all.