Changing Spaces New Mexico™
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. The goal is to raise awareness around and advocate for the need for powered, height adjustable, adult-sized changing tables for people with disabilities and seniors.
The New Mexico chapter started in 2024 and we are already working on a bill at the New Mexico legislature to make this kind of accessible bathroom a reality in our state.
Help us advocate for universal adult changing tables in New Mexico.
Thank you, Legislators!
These New Mexico legislators came together to secure $275,000, fully funding a mobile changing room. This is another step closer to creating a more accessible home for New Mexicans with disabilities. Thank you!
Sen. Craig Brandt
Rep. Kathleen Cates
Rep. Eleanor Chávez
Rep. Joy Garratt
Sen. Martin Hickey
Rep. Marian Matthews
Rep. Liz Thomson
Sen. Nicole Tobiassen
Meet Our Co-Chairs for Changing Spaces New Mexico™
Rebecca Sanford, Adelante’s President/CEO, and Amy Lavender, Adelante’s VP of Development are the co-chairs of Changing Spaces here in New Mexico. Nationally, Changing Spaces was begun by parents, and other chapters are usually run by family members. However, as there were no universal changing tables in New Mexico, and no Changing Spaces chapter here, Adelante’s leaders decided to step up. As employees of a nonprofit that provides services for the disability community, these women want to make our community a place where everyone is welcome and accommodated. They know that families often have to change people on the bathroom floor. Or that some families choose not leave the house at all because they can’t use current restrooms. So, they decided to start advocating to make adult changing stations a reality in New Mexico.
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.
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.
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? There is a form on our advocacy page to send us stories and upload your photos. With your permission, these stories will be shared with legislators to let them know the challenges people with disabilities face. These will make a difference with legislators and decision makers. We greatly appreciate everyone who is willing to share their experiences to bring light to this issue.
Second, follow Changing Spaces New Mexico™ on Facebook and Instagram. Like and share stories and posts to help us raise awareness.
Third, there will be a bill at the New Mexico legislature in 2025. Your help with phone calls, emails, and in-person visits to the legislature could make adult changing tables a reality. Use the contact form to opt into emails alerting you to this type of advocacy need. For other questions, email us at ChangingSpaces@GoAdelante.org.
If you would you like to receive legislative updates to support this effort, complete the form on our advocacy page.
People with disabilities want increased access to the community and to be able to do that with dignity. Not to mention, reducing their risk of injury. Families want to include their loved ones with disabilities on family outings and events. Together, we can work toward this reality.
Do you own a business and want to support this effort?
if you own a business or are a decision maker at a New Mexico business, expand your potential patrons by making it clear that you and your company support people with disabilities and their families. Consider installing an adjustable height adult changing table at your business. Learn more by emailing us at ChangingSpaces@GoAdelante.org. Your business could adopt these important bathroom improvements and be featured as a great example of inclusion.