It was clear that we needed a height-adjustable product that would be easy to use, easy to maintain, and comfortable for both users and caregivers. Once we learned about Ascent, we knew our needs would be met.
For many people with disabilities and their caregivers, using a public restroom can be an overwhelming challenge. Without access to a clean, private space for an adult diaper change, families are often left with no safe option, leading many to simply stay home. In Ohio, leaders and advocates saw this issue and came together to ensure that access to public spaces didn’t end at the restroom door.
Ohio’s Opportunity for Change
In Ohio, this gap in accessibility gained attention through conversations between the governor’s office, county officials, boards of developmental disabilities, and Changing Spaces Ohio, an advocacy group promoting universal changing tables in public spaces.
Kim Kirkwood, Co-Head of Changing Spaces Ohio, explains, “I think one barrier to convincing businesses, small governments, and parks to install universal changing tables is a lack of awareness that this is a problem—that it’s a real barrier for a lot of people… Current restrooms don’t meet everyone’s needs.”
This alignment between government and advocacy groups laid the groundwork for meaningful, funded changes in public facilities. In January of 2024, Governor Mike DeWine announced $14.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to be awarded to 67 counties to support Ohioans with developmental disabilities and make public spaces more accessible. A major component of the initiative focused on installing adult changing tables in parks, recreation facilities, fairgrounds, and other public spaces. To reach underserved communities efficiently, advocates sought a solution that was durable enough for commercial use, available on realistic timelines, and adaptable to existing buildings.
Meeting the Need: The Ascent Universal Changing Table
To meet the scale and urgency of this initiative, advocates needed a solution designed specifically for real-world public spaces, and the Ascent was the perfect solution. Developed to support adult users safely and comfortably, Ascent installs easily on existing walls and is engineered for long-term performance in high-traffic environments. Its durable, commercial-grade construction, thoughtful safety features, and ease of maintenance made it possible for communities to add meaningful access without costly renovations or extended downtime, helping projects move quickly from funding to installation.
Renee Kohler, Superintendent of the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities, shared, “We chose Ascent based on the quality, adaptability and simple installation. It was clear that we needed a height-adjustable product that would be easy to use, easy to maintain, and comfortable for both users and caregivers. Once we learned about Ascent, we knew our needs would be met. Using Ascent meant that we could install the table in just one day, speeding up access to the facility and allowing us to provide all services on day one.”
Results Across Rural Ohio
Thanks to government funding, local advocacy and community support, and Sova’s easy to integrate solution, 10 counties in Ohio added adult changing tables to underserved communities in 2024 alone. The sites include a recreation center, a veterans’ pavilion, various fairgrounds, and two mobiles units that can be shared by multiple counties for special events. The table at the Auglaize County Veterans Pavilion was the very first table installed in Auglaize County.
The effort across rural Ohio demonstrates what’s possible when awareness, advocacy, and practical design come together. While traditional ADA-compliant restrooms meet the needs of some, they don’t serve everyone—and this initiative shows how that gap can be addressed thoughtfully and efficiently.
By prioritizing dignity, safety, and real-world usability, communities were able to expand access in public spaces without major renovations or delays. As momentum continues to build nationwide, Ohio’s experience offers a clear example of how universal changing tables can become a standard part of inclusive public infrastructure ensuring more people, caregivers, and families can fully participate in public life.
Read the full case study to see how universal changing tables expanded access across rural Ohio or explore Ascent to bring the same solution to your public space.
Image credits:
Lead image: Darke County Facebook