Universal Changing Table for Adults with Disabilities in Arizona

Access to safe and dignified restroom facilities is a key part of accessibility for adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families. For individuals who require assistance with diapering or personal care, universal changing tables provide a secure and private space that supports safety, comfort, and dignity. In Arizona, state legislation has formally addressed this need by requiring the installation of changing stations that serve both babies and adults in certain public buildings.

This article explains Arizona House Bill 2113, outlines what public facilities are required to do under the law, describes where universal changing tables are most likely to be found, and highlights how hygiene solutions such as SPC disposable underpads help maintain clean and safe changing environments.

Arizona House Bill 2113 and changing station requirements

Arizona House Bill 2113 has been enacted and establishes requirements for diaper changing stations that are capable of serving both babies and adults. The law applies to public entities that construct new restrooms or fully renovate existing restrooms in public buildings that are accessible to the public.

Under the legislation, at least one changing station must be installed in at least one restroom in each building. The required changing station must be accessible to both men and women and designed to accommodate adults as well as infants, reflecting a more inclusive approach to personal care accessibility.

Accessibility and design standards under the law

HB 2113 requires that changing stations provide sufficient clear floor space to comply with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. This requirement helps ensure that individuals using wheelchairs or mobility devices, as well as caregivers assisting with transfers, can safely use the space.

By tying changing station installation to ADA design standards, the law reinforces that accessibility features must work together rather than create new barriers.

Signage and wayfinding requirements

The legislation places strong emphasis on visibility and ease of access. Facilities must provide signage near the entrance to the restroom indicating the location of the changing station. If a building includes a directory, the directory must also identify where the changing station is located.

These requirements are intended to reduce stress and confusion for caregivers and individuals with disabilities by making changing stations easy to find without needing to ask staff for assistance.

Exemptions allowed under Arizona law

HB 2113 permits the responsible authority to grant exemptions from changing station requirements in specific situations. Exemptions may be granted if installation is not feasible, would cause noncompliance with ADA access standards, would threaten or destroy the historic significance of a historic property, or if the building is not frequently used by the public.

These exemptions allow flexibility while still prioritizing accessibility in buildings where installation is practical and appropriate.

When the requirements apply

The changing station requirements apply to construction and renovation projects where the design was approved on or after January 1, 2020. This means that access improves gradually as new buildings are constructed or existing restrooms undergo full renovation.

The law does not require retrofitting of restrooms that are not undergoing qualifying construction or renovation, which means access will expand over time rather than immediately across all public buildings.

Enforcement and legal considerations

Arizona HB 2113 specifies that the legislation does not establish a private right of action. Enforcement is handled through applicable regulatory and administrative processes rather than private lawsuits.

This approach focuses on compliance during the planning, design, and construction phases of public projects.

Where universal changing tables may be found in Arizona

In practice, universal changing tables in Arizona are most likely to appear in newer or recently renovated public buildings. Government offices, municipal buildings, civic centers, libraries, and transportation-related facilities are among the locations where caregivers may encounter improved access.

Facilities that include gender-neutral or family restrooms are particularly well-positioned to meet the law’s requirements. Older buildings without major renovations may continue to have limited access.

Why universal changing tables matter

Universal changing tables play a vital role in supporting adults with disabilities and the people who care for them. These tables provide a safe surface for individuals who cannot stand or transfer independently, preserve privacy and dignity during personal care, and allow caregivers to assist without unsafe workarounds.

Without access to adult-capable changing stations, caregivers are often forced to change adults on restroom floors, in vehicles, or to leave public spaces altogether, limiting participation in everyday activities.

Hygiene considerations for shared changing stations

Hygiene is a major concern when changing stations are shared by the public. SPC disposable underpads offer caregivers a practical solution for maintaining cleanliness during diaper changes and personal care tasks.

These underpads create a clean, absorbent barrier between the individual and the changing surface, help contain leaks, and include a waterproof backing that protects the station for the next user. Using SPC disposable underpads supports safer, more sanitary changing experiences in public buildings and high-traffic environments.

Accessibility progress in Arizona

Arizona’s enactment of HB 2113 represents meaningful progress in accessibility by formally recognizing the need for changing stations that serve both babies and adults. While access is still limited to certain facilities and tied to construction or renovation projects, the law establishes a strong framework for inclusive design.

As more public buildings are updated, universal changing tables will become increasingly common across Arizona, helping create public spaces that are safer, more dignified, and more accessible for adults with disabilities and their caregivers.

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