January 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 48

OPERATIONS
The Case for Universal Changing Tables
By Gregory Burchard
I
magine the only option for a diaper change for your child, parent
or partner is a public restroom floor or your car trunk. This lack of
privacy and dignity is a reality for people with disabilities and their
caregivers, and a reason why many choose to stay home.
Based on U.S. Census data, it's
believed that more than 12 million
people in the United States have a
disability that makes it difficult to
bathe or toilet themselves, including
people who use wheelchairs;
the elderly; and older children,
teenagers and adults with developmental
disabilities. There is clearly
a great need for a safe, hygienic
and dignified space for changing.
The answer is a universal changing
table (UCT), also known as
an adult changing table. UCTs are
becoming more common in public
buildings, opening a new world
for those with disabilities.
Obtaining and installing a UCT
is pretty straightforward; the International
Building Code has
Universal changing tables are
becoming more common in
public buildings.
already outlined safety requirements
in
supplement
" Adult
Changing Stations. "
Addressing Common
Questions
Size: Designed for comfort and
safety, UCTs feature an inwardsloping
flat surface with guardrails
on all sides. They vary in length
from 70 inches to 87 inches to
comfortably accommodate adults.
Material
Selection: Stainless
steel, polyethylene and laminate
are the main materials used to
build UCTs. Each has its own challenges
and benefits. Stainless steel
is durable and corrosion resistant;
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
offers a sturdy, smooth and
easy-to-sanitize surface; and laminate
is known for its strength and
sustainability benefits.
Installation Methods: Installation
options vary based on the
building, with different considerations
for new builds versus current
space constraints. Options include
wall-mount and free-standing units.
Wall mounting saves time, money
and space with domestically made
UCTs offering quicker installation.
Height Adjustable: Advocacy
powered
groups
recommend
a
height-adjustable table to maximize
comfort and safety. These
UCTs can be raised and lowered
with the touch of a button, making
loading and unloading much safer
48 Parks & Recreation |
J ANUAR Y 2 0 2 5 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
A117.1,
and more manageable. Automatic
retracting functions are also available
for added safety.
Weight Capacity: Because they
are purpose-built to accommodate
adults, UCTs have high weight limits
ranging from 350 to 500 pounds.
Surface:
Material surface
selection is important for durability
and sanitation. Smooth-surface
tables without cracks and crevices
are considered superior, as they are
easier to clean and more hygienic.
IPX6 water ingress protection is
the highest level option available
to withstand heavy power washing,
followed by water-resistant stainless
steel and waterproof changing pads.
Hoist: A hoist assists caregivers
who may have difficulty maneuvering
an individual from a wheelchair
onto the table, and those who
are unable to move themselves.
Budget: Multiple factors will determine
a UCT budget, including
the physical attributes, age of the
building and whether the restroom
is undergoing renovation. If a renovation
is not planned, consider a
UCT that can be mounted onto an
existing wall without retrofitting.
While handicap-accessible restrooms
were a huge step forward in
the 1990s, the time for additional inclusion
and accessibility is now, especially
as states are adopting new
legislation. Whether in an urban or
rural community or a national park,
installing a UCT will ensure your
space is welcoming to all.
Gregory Burchard is the Business
Manager at Foundations (gburchard@
foundations.com).
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUNDATIONS
January 2025 – Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2025 – Parks & Recreation
