MADISON–Today, State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa), State Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison), State Representative Jimmy Anderson (D-Fitchburg), State Representative Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), and State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) re-introduced the Universal Changing Stations bill that would install adult-sized changing stations in certain public buildings and create a tax credit for small businesses to install these stations.
Rep. Robyn Vining said of the legislation: “At one of our very first in-district meetings with constituents in 2019, a mother shared her concerns about the lack of adult-sized changing stations in public places for people with disabilities. Sarah shared that her son Matthew had been unable to go to basketball games, museums, and airports because, then at age 19, he had to be changed on the floor of public restrooms or in the back of their van. This also affected their family’s ability to do things together. Access to changing stations is an issue of public health and of human dignity. And, it’s an issue of community connection. We have a population of people in need who are going unseen because they are unable to participate in society. Since the buildings don’t work for the people, the people aren’t going to the buildings. We can change that, and so we should.
“Universal Changing Stations are a growing reality in Wisconsin–businesses want to do the right thing and we’ve already seen community partners stepping up. This bill will allow state government to partner with the business community to move toward equal access for all Wisconsinites,” Rep. Vining continued.
Sen. Melissa Agard stated: “In order for Wisconsin to be a place where families can live, work and thrive, we need to ensure that our state is accessible for every body. We all deserve the same access to public spaces, and access to bathrooms should not be a barrier to participating fully in society. Nobody should have to lose their dignity in order to leave their home and no one should have to receive necessary care on an unsanitary floor. We can do better.Â
“This bill is about doing the right thing to make our communities more accessible and welcoming for all persons. It’s time to make Wisconsin accessible, welcoming and safe for everyone.” Sen. Agard concluded.
