Note: This post continues our series on improving public accessibility by installing universal changing stations in key gathering spaces. See Part 1 here.
While many seasonal attractions and entertainment venues have taken strides to improve accessibility with features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible parking, one essential feature remains missing in far too many places: adult changing stations. For those within the group of Americans with a disability who need assistance in the bathroom and their caregivers, something as simple as using the restroom can turn a day of fun into a day of frustration or even embarrassment.
When visitors plan a trip to a favorite holiday light display, county fair, music festival, or amusement park, they expect joy, not stress. Yet without proper facilities, these spaces can unintentionally exclude a significant portion of their audience. When inclusion is the deciding factor for a group of a dozen ticket-paying visitors attending an event, that moves it from a nice-to-have to an essential way to do business.
In some cases, if even one person in the family can’t go, the entire group stays home.
The Accessibility Gap in Seasonal Fun
Seasonal attractions are designed to bring communities together to celebrate, create memories, and share joy. But for individuals with disabilities who require assistance with using the facilities, the absence of adult changing stations means making choices:
- Cut the outing short
- Attempt unsafe or unsanitary diapering or toileting in public view
- Skip the event altogether
Portable restrooms and standard accessible stalls simply aren’t enough. Even a wheelchair-accessible stall still lacks the space and equipment needed for adults who require assistance. Without a private room and a height-adjustable adult changing station, caregivers are forced to improvise, often on restroom floors, in vehicles, or not at all.
Behind every person who needs an adult changing station is a network of caregivers and loved ones who are deeply affected by the lack of facilities. A parent caring for a teen with cerebral palsy, a spouse supporting a partner with multiple sclerosis, or an adult child assisting an aging parent with mobility limitations, each faces the same challenge: how to meet basic needs in public spaces that aren’t built for them.
When attractions overlook adult changing stations, they’re not just missing an amenity; they’re missing an opportunity to serve entire families who want to participate in community life.
Seasonal Doesn’t Mean Exempt from Inclusion
Whether it’s a summer carnival, a haunted hayride, or a holiday market, accessibility should never be an afterthought. Temporary and seasonal events often attract lengthy visits by large crowds and multigenerational families, making inclusive facilities more critical.
But even for temporary and outdoor events, organizers can still provide accessibility that doesn’t require a brick-and-mortar building. Many high-end portable restroom companies now offer trailers that can be equipped with an adult changing station. By requiring vendors to provide accessible trailers, any field or parking lot can be inclusive.
Ensuring there are adult changing stations available in a private space, signals a commitment to true accessibility. It says: Everyone is welcome here.
Building Brand Loyalty Through Accessibility
Inclusion isn’t just a social responsibility; it’s a powerful driver of revenue and brand loyalty. Families within the disability community are highly connected and loyal. Becoming a safe harbor destination with proper facilities creates word-of-mouth marketing that no ad campaign can buy.
When families know an attraction accommodates their needs, they stay longer, spend more, and share their positive experiences with others. Beyond economics, offering adult changing stations demonstrates social responsibility and aligns with evolving accessibility standards.
Built for the Peak Season Grind
Seasonal attractions face a unique challenge: They go from empty to maximum capacity in a matter of days. Your equipment must be as resilient as your staff.
The Koala Kare KB3000-AHL Adult Changing Station is engineered to handle the peak season rush with features designed for high-traffic, high-intensity environments:
- Robust durability: With an IK10 impact rating, these units are vandal-resistant and built to withstand the rigors of public fairgrounds and stadiums.
- Substantial weight capacity: A safe working load of 500 lbs. (227 kg.) ensures that you can safely accommodate visitors of all sizes and needs.
- Easy to clean: The crevice-free surface is made of durable, nonporous plastic with a rust-free frame making the unit fully rinsable and suitable for wet environments..
Koala Kare Products believes that public spaces, temporary or permanent, should not force families to choose between dignity and participation. Equipping seasonal attractions and entertainment venues with adult changing stations can transform frustration into freedom.
Don’t let facilities be the reason a visitor stays home. Fill out our contact form to connect with the Koala Kare team to see how our adult changing stations can be integrated into your permanent facility or mobile restroom fleet.