{"id":8039,"date":"2026-05-06T15:41:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:41:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deepconnections.net\/?p=8039"},"modified":"2026-05-06T15:41:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:41:35","slug":"dignity-in-design-why-universal-changing-stations-cannot-wait","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deepconnections.net\/es_co\/2026\/05\/06\/dignity-in-design-why-universal-changing-stations-cannot-wait\/","title":{"rendered":"Dignity in Design: Why Universal Changing Stations Cannot Wait"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you tired of changing your loved one in the trunks of cars, on bathroom floors, or just skipping outings altogether? We are too. As a nanny and caregiver to a five year old with an undiagnosed DEE (severely impacted epilepsy condition), I have been praised in public for \u201cgetting crafty\u201d in order to make a diaper change happen. The reality is, caregivers are tired of being creative to make the world accessible and we had the opportunity to say that to the people who shape accessibility policy. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Without federal regulations, it is often easier to stay home. Disabled individuals are excluded from society in many ways, but inadequate changing facilities are among the most overlooked. It is a feeling many of us know well: planning doctor\u2019s appointments, shopping trips, vacations, and everything in between around access to changing facilities. The world is not designed with our loved ones in mind, but through powerful advocacy and legislation, change is on the horizon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last month, we shared our \u201cYour Experience Matters\u201d changing station survey via our Instagram<\/a> and our newsletter (sign up here!<\/a>) and it went viral. With over 200,ooo views and over 1,000 shares, the prevalence of this issue for disability families became clear. The DEE-P team immediately got to work collecting testimonials from our community in order to submit a comment that aligns with the needs of profoundly impacted individuals and their families.  The goal was to inform a comment we were preparing to submit to the U.S. Access Board, focused specifically on potential federal regulations for universal changing stations in large and medium hub airports. Through the federal open comment process, individuals and organizations can provide input that directly shapes future accessibility standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Survey responses and social media comments highlighted a concerning reality: 85% percent of survey respondents reported that changing their loved one in the trunk of their car was the safest and most sanitary option available. Responses across social media platforms emphasized the prevalence of undignified changing strategies, with 400+ comments from caregivers sharing their experiences with our community. This method lacks privacy, depends on weather, and becomes less feasible as individuals grow. The alternative option for many is the dirty bathroom floor, which is unsanitary and poses a major risk of injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caregivers described experiences in their own words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n