For millions of people with mobility challenges—as well as their families and caregivers—something as basic as using a restroom can become a major barrier. While public spaces have made progress with ramps, elevators, and grab bars, one critical accessibility feature is still shockingly rare: adult changing stations.
This series explores key public places where installing adult changing stations would create an immediate and lasting impact—from airports and stadiums to schools and hospitals—making inclusion a reality, not an afterthought.
Part 1: Stadiums & Arenas — Inclusion Belongs on Game Day
Game day is about more than the final score. It’s the anticipation as fans stream into the stadium, the thrill of singing along with the crowd, the pride of wearing team colors, and the joy of sharing traditions across generations. Stadiums and arenas are where communities gather, memories are made, and fans of all ages come together to be part of something bigger.
But for many families and caregivers, the excitement of game day comes with hidden challenges. For fans with mobility issues or disabilities, the absence of adult changing stations in large venues often turns what should be a joyful outing into a stressful experience. Instead of focusing on the game, families are forced to navigate unsafe, uncomfortable, and undignified alternatives. For some, this reality means skipping live events altogether.
The Hidden Challenge Behind the Excitement
Most stadiums are designed with energy and spectacle in mind—big screens, booming sound systems, and state-of-the-art seating. Yet one of the most fundamental needs is often overlooked: safe, private, and accessible restrooms for every fan.
Without adult changing stations, caregivers are left with impossible options. Do they attempt a change in a public restroom that isn’t equipped for their needs? Do they resort to the floor of a restroom or a car in the parking lot? Or do they leave early and miss the very moments that make game day special?
These choices strip away dignity, compromise safety, and send a message—however unintentional—that some fans don’t fully belong.
Why Adult Changing Stations Matter
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, we:
- Restore dignity: Fans with mobility challenges deserve the same respect and comfort as everyone else.
- Relieve stress for caregivers: Families can enjoy the game without worrying about where or how to manage basic needs.
- Encourage participation: More families can confidently attend live events, knowing their needs will be met.
- Set a new industry standard: Just as accessibility ramps and ADA seating are now a given, adult changing stations should be, too.
Sports have the unique power to unite. Rivalries aside, game day is about collective energy—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 of the stadium, including the restrooms. When adult changing stations are missing, an entire community of fans is excluded from the full game-day experience.
Installing these stations is a commitment to equity, dignity, and respect. It’s a statement that says: every fan matters.
A Call to Action for Stadiums and Arenas
As the sports and entertainment industries continue to evolve, stadiums and arenas have an opportunity to lead the way in accessibility. By making adult changing stations a standard feature, venues can ensure that inclusion is more than a buzzword, it’s a lived reality for every guest who walks through their gates.
Because game day isn’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, the families who make memories together in the stands.
At Koala Kare, we believe that everyone deserves to be part of those moments. Inclusion belongs everywhere, and that includes restrooms. By prioritizing adult changing stations, stadiums and arenas can ensure that game day is truly for everyone, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.