Note: This post is the first in our series on improving public accessibility by installing universal changing stations in key gathering spaces.
The lack of accessible facilities for a significant part of the 70 million adults with disabilities and their support networks prevents these fans from fully engaging in public life.
Commercial venues such as stadiums and concert halls succeed in prioritizing physical access, the absence of adult changing stations leaves a significant gap in true accessibility. In our six-part adult changing stations series, these blogs explore how installing universal changing areas at stadiums, festivals, rest stops, and hospitals creates an immediate, positive impact.
The Hidden Challenge Behind the Excitement
The big game and the latest concerts are more than just a good time. It’s the anticipation as fans stream into the stadium or arena, the thrill of singing along with the crowd, the pride of wearing team colors, and the joy of sharing traditions across generations.
But the absence of adult changing stations in large venues often turns what should be a joyful outing into a stressful experience for many fans with mobility issues or disabilities and their caregivers.
Most stadiums and arenas are designed with energy and spectacle in mind, from the big screens and booming sound systems to the state-of-the-art seating. Yet one of the most fundamental needs is often overlooked: safe, private, and accessible facilities for every fan.
Without adult changing stations, caregivers have to decide if they should attempt a change in a public restroom that isn’t equipped for their needs? Or should they resort to the floor of a restroom or a car in the parking lot? Or do they leave early and miss the moments that make the event special?
These choices strip away dignity, compromise safety, and send a message — however unintentional — that some fans don’t fully belong. For some, this reality means skipping live events altogether.
The Case for Adult Changing Stations in Large Venues
Accessibility is more than getting through the stadium gates or finding the right seating section. True inclusion means designing every part of the experience with all fans in mind. Adult changing stations are a simple but powerful step toward equity.
By installing adult changing stations in stadiums and arenas, you:
- Restore dignity: Fans with mobility challenges deserve the same respect and comfort as everyone else.
- Relieve stress: Attendees can enjoy the game or concert without worrying about where or how to manage basic needs.
- Encourage fan participation: More fans can confidently attend live events while getting their needs met.
- Set a new industry standard: Just as accessibility ramps and ADA-compliant seating are now a given, adult changing stations should be, too.
Legislative momentum is building across the country, with many regions introducing mandates for adult changing stations in large public facilities to ensure equitable access.
Inclusion Belongs Everywhere — Even the Restrooms
Sports and concerts have the unique power to unite, boosting collective energy while cheering with strangers who suddenly feel like family. It’s about belonging.
That’s why inclusion cannot stop at the entrance gate or the concourse. It must extend to every corner, including the space for everyone to use the restroom. When adult changing stations and privacy are missing, an entire community of fans is excluded from the full experience.
Stadiums and arenas have the opportunity to lead the entertainment industry by making these stations a standard feature. Doing so is a commitment to equity, dignity, and respect. It’s a statement that says every fan matters.
These events aren’t just about the players on the field or the performers on stage. It’s about the fans, the grandparents bringing their grandchildren to their first game, the lifelong supporters who’ve been coming for decades, and the families who make memories together in the stands.
A Call to Action for Stadiums and Arenas
At Koala Kare Products, we believe that everyone deserves to be part of those moments. Inclusion belongs everywhere. By including private space for adult changing stations, these locations ensure these events are truly for everyone, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Learn more about Koala Kare’s adult changing stations, from technical specifications to safety considerations and maintenance needs, and watch installation videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an adult changing station?
An adult changing station, also referred to in federal legislation as a universal changing station, is a specialized facility designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and dignified space for individuals with disabilities who cannot use a standard toilet and require assistance with toileting or diapering.
While similar in concept to a baby changing station, an ACS is engineered as a piece of medical-grade equipment adapted for public spaces. It is designed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, incontinence, or other special needs, as well as the safety of their caregivers.
What is the legislation concerning adult changing stations?
Even in the absence of a federal ADA mandate, governmental and nongovernmental bodies throughout the United States, Canada, and across the world have introduced or are considering requirements and recommendations related to these stations in public facilities. Review this interactive legislation map to find information related to these developments in different regions.
Read the Rest of the Series
- Part 2: Museums & Culture Centers — Accessibility is Part of the Experience
- Part 3: Seasonal Attractions & Entertainment Venues — Accessibility Shouldn’t Take a Back Seat
- Part 4: Highway Rest Stops & Travel Centers — Accessibility Should Travel with You
- Part 5: Airports — Dignity Shouldn’t Be Grounded