Universal Changing Stations for Children and Adults with Disabilities

Access to safe and dignified restroom facilities is a basic part of accessibility. Yet for many adults with disabilities in the United States, appropriate changing spaces are still difficult to find. Universal changing stations, often called adult changing tables, are designed for individuals who need assistance with diapering and personal care. These stations play an essential role in allowing people with disabilities and their caregivers to travel, attend events, and take part in everyday public life. While awareness is growing, access to universal changing stations remains inconsistent and varies widely by location.

This article looks at the current landscape of universal changing stations in the United States, including existing legislation, where adult changing tables are most commonly found, and how hygiene solutions such as SPC disposable underpads help keep shared changing surfaces clean and safe.

Federal legislation and accessibility requirements

At the federal level, there is currently no comprehensive law requiring adult changing stations in all public restrooms. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets accessibility standards for entrances, restrooms, and fixtures, but it does not specifically require adult-sized changing tables. As a result, many facilities meet legal accessibility requirements while still lacking a safe and dignified space for adults who cannot use standard restroom accommodations independently.

Federal law does require baby changing stations in publicly accessible federal buildings, but those protections do not extend to adults with disabilities. This gap leaves many families and caregivers without appropriate options in everyday public settings.

There has been progress in transportation environments. Federal transportation and infrastructure legislation now requires medium and large commercial airports in the United States to install and maintain universal changing stations within passenger terminals. This requirement marks a meaningful step forward and recognizes that adult changing stations are necessary for inclusive travel.

State-level legislation and building codes

Because federal requirements remain limited, much of the progress around universal changing stations has happened at the state level. California was the first state to pass legislation requiring adult changing stations in certain large public venues. Since then, other states — including Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Tennessee — have enacted laws or adopted building code provisions that require adult changing tables in specific public facilities.

These laws vary in scope, but they reflect growing recognition of the needs of adults with disabilities and the caregivers who support them. In many cases, requirements apply to newly constructed or renovated facilities rather than existing buildings, which means access improves gradually over time.

Updates to the International Building Code are also shaping future accessibility. Newer code provisions require adult changing stations in certain types of facilities, such as large assembly spaces, transportation hubs, convention centers, and public buildings with assisted-use or family restrooms. As more states adopt updated versions of the code, universal changing stations are expected to become more common across the country.

Where universal changing stations are most commonly found

In practice, universal changing stations are most often found in large, high-traffic facilities. Airports are currently among the most reliable locations due to federal requirements and ongoing accessibility improvements. Convention centers, sports arenas, amusement parks, zoos, and large cultural venues are also more likely to offer adult changing tables, especially in states with specific legislation or updated building codes.

Outside of these environments, access remains limited. Smaller public buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, and older facilities often lack appropriate changing options, making everyday outings more challenging for individuals who need assistance with personal care.

Why universal changing stations matter

The availability of universal changing stations has a direct impact on quality of life. For adults with disabilities, these stations provide a safe and private surface for personal care, helping preserve dignity and comfort. For caregivers, they eliminate the need to perform diaper changes on restroom floors, in vehicles, or in other unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

Without access to appropriate changing facilities, many individuals and families are forced to limit travel, shorten outings, or avoid public spaces entirely. Universal changing stations help remove these barriers and support fuller participation in community life.

Hygiene and shared public changing spaces

Hygiene is a major concern when using shared public changing stations. SPC disposable underpads offer caregivers a practical way to maintain cleanliness when changing diapers for adults or children with disabilities. These underpads create a clean, absorbent barrier between the individual and the changing surface, help manage leaks, and include a waterproof backing that protects the table for the next user.

Using disposable underpads supports safer and more hygienic changing experiences in high-traffic public settings such as airports, event venues, and large entertainment facilities. They also provide peace of mind for caregivers who may already be navigating stressful situations outside the home.

The path forward for accessibility

Although awareness of universal changing stations continues to grow, they are still not standard across the United States. Many everyday public spaces remain inaccessible to adults who require assistance with diapering. Continued advocacy, expanded legislation, updated building codes, and voluntary adoption by businesses will be essential to improving access nationwide.

Universal changing stations are a critical part of inclusive design. By expanding availability and supporting proper hygiene practices with products like SPC disposable underpads, public spaces can better support adults with disabilities and the caregivers who assist them, creating environments that are safer, more dignified, and more accessible for everyone.

Supporting caregivers with dependable solutions

At San Pablo Commercial, we are a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers with dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our products are designed for comfort, protection, and confidence. We understand the challenges that come with managing incontinence and work to make daily care easier, cleaner, and more dignified at home and on the go.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.