Several months ago, Adelante, launched a new business, Destination Accessibility, focused on accessible tourism. A quick realization followed. Lots of barriers keep people with disabilities and their families from visiting places in New Mexico and participating in events. One barrier, quickly identified, is the lack of adult universal changing tables. Through research, Adelante came across a national group called Changing Spaces advocating for adult changing tables. In late July 2024, Adelante team members officially became part of Changing Spaces.
Meet New Mexico’s Co-Chairs
The official co-chairs of New Mexico’s chapter of Changing Space are Rebecca Sanford, Adelante’s President/CEO, and Amy Lavender, VP of Development. Though Changing Spaces was begun by parents, and other chapters are usually run by family volunteers, there was nobody involved in New Mexico. Adelante stepped up.
Rebecca relayed, “As long-time employees of a nonprofit that provides services and advocacy for the disability community, we want to make our community a place where everyone is welcome and accommodated. The reality is, most of our families and support staff have to change people on the bathroom floor or in the back of the van. Even worse, they may choose not leave the house at all because they can’t use restroom facilities. We are not okay with this. Inspired by the work nationwide to increase the availability of changing stations, we decided to start advocating here in New Mexico. We are honored to be a part of Changing Spaces and getting to work to make adult changing stations a reality in New Mexico.”
Neither Rebecca or Amy have a family member with a disability. However, what they do have is decades of experience working on behalf of people with disabilities and a passion for raising awareness on behalf of people with disabilities and their families. Further, they have a willingness to advocate for universal changing tables in New Mexico.
National Advocacy for Changing Spaces
The national mission of Changing Spaces is to promote community inclusion, access, and equality for individuals with disabilities nationwide who cannot safely utilize standard handicapped accessible restrooms. Overall, the organization is a parent-led advocacy group inspired by Changing Places UK. They promote community inclusion by raising awareness around the need for powered, height adjustable, adult-sized changing tables for people with disabilities and seniors.
Why are these changing tables needed?
Toileting options are limited for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Especially when they are out in the community. Currently, public restrooms are not set up for caregivers and their loved ones to experience true accommodation or accessibility. Most people with disabling conditions have outgrown the height and weight requirements of the baby changing tables available. As a result, performing this basic need, to change someone and clean them up, is undignified, unsanitary, unsafe, and inhumane.
Unfortunately, the options are inadequate. The lack of an adult sized changing table often means changing someone on the floor of a public bathroom. In a pinch, public spaces like parking lots or the backs of cars are used. Families may even resort to using the baby changing tables because the other options are substandard. This is a precarious option for adults or even older children. However, the alternatives are forcing the person to remain soiled while they are out at an event. Worse, they may be left out of activities altogether and remain at home.
New Mexico Changing Spaces is Getting Started
Nationally, Changing Spaces is advocating for powered, height adjustable adult-sized changing tables. Also, they are working for appropriate signage so people can find this kind of bathroom.
Other possible options and suggestions include having a non-slip mat, height-adjustable sink, and a privacy curtain if the changing table is not in a separate family bathroom.
The initial strategy for the New Mexico chapter of Changing Spaces is to raise awareness about why universal changing tables are important. First, by talking with people involved with tourism including New Mexico’s acting Secretary of Tourism. Next, talking with local municipalities such as Red River, New Mexico. Third, discussing this issue with legislators and getting them to consider introducing legislation about the need for universal adult changing stations. That work is underway and being well received. Adelante continues to be grateful for the support from so many of these audiences. Not to mention, the encouragement and knowledge shared by other Changing Spaces chapters across the United States.
How the Public Can Get Involved
The public is invited to be part of the Changing Spaces effort. First, share your stories. Have you been frustrated at the lack of adult changing spaces? Have you been in dangerous or embarrassing situations because you have had to be changed in a public space? Email stories to ChangingSpaces@GoAdelante.org. Include photos demonstrating the challenges you face. With your permission, these stories will be shared with legislators to let them know the challenges people with disabilities face. A form on our website should be up soon to make submitting your stories and photos easier.
Second, follow Changing Spaces New Mexico on Facebook and Instagram. (@ChangingSpacesNM) Stories and photos shared with us may also be shown on the new Changing Spaces New Mexico social media accounts. The names can be changed to protect the identity of your loved ones if you choose. Also, only first names would be used. Adelante appreciates everyone who is willing to share their experiences to bring light to this issue.
People with disabilities want increased access to the community and to be able to do that with dignity. Together, we can work toward this reality. Not to mention, reducing their risk of injury.
For Businesses Who Support Customers with Disabilities
For businesses, it can mean expanding their potential patrons by making it clear that they support people with disabilities and their families and want them to feel welcome. Businesses interested in learning more can also email us at ChangingSpacesNM@GoAdelante.org. Your business could adopt these changes and be featured as a great example of inclusion.