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GCPD Recommends 88th Texas Legislature Improve Access to Universal Changing Places at Venues of Public Accommodation

The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) recently hosted the National Association of Governors’ Committees on People with Disabilities quarterly meeting for a nationwide conversation on adult changing tables and universal changing places. Across the country, we agree that people who are non-ambulatory or who have self-care issues, such as catheters, colostomies, or incontinence issues, need a safe and clean place to change or be changed – and that no one should have to be lain on a public restroom floor.

We heard from all over the country about how states are implementing adult changing tables in public rest stops, airports, and any other place a person may go to enjoy their community. Presentations included updates on standards for adult changing tables in the 2024 amendments to the International Building Code. A San Antonio non-profit organization, DisabilitySA, shared exciting news about their new mobile changing unit that made its debut at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo! The mobile changing unit is the first attendant-run, mobile, self-contained, and environmentally controlled changing and toileting facility in the United States. Adult changing tables, like the ones available in mobile changing units, are a game changer in making Texas accessible for all its citizens and allowing families to enjoy festivals, concerts, and outdoor community events in a safe and dignified manner.

In GCPD’s Biennial Report to the 88^th Texas Legislature, we recommend that large, new construction projects include a minimum of one Universal Changing Place at venues of public accommodations.

Examples include:

• movie theaters, performance theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, convention centers, sports arenas, and stadiums
• shopping centers, shopping malls, or stores of at least 40,000 square feet
• museums, libraries, and galleries
• parks, zoos, and amusement parks
• elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate private or public schools
• senior centers and homeless shelters
• state and local government buildings, rest areas, and state parks
• airports, depots, and bus stations
• hospitals and rehabilitation centers

GCPD believes the State of Texas should lead by example on this issue. With our State Capitol receiving more than one million visitors annually, we further recommend that the State Preservation Board install one adult changing table in an existing family restroom in the Capitol.

The Texas Legislature is currently considering Senate Bill 2326, relating to access to an adult changing station in public buildings.

You can view the entire National Association of Governors’ Committees on People with Disabilities meeting on adult changing tables here.

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