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WHAT IS AN ADULT CHANGING TABLE?

 

Part of our bill requires that each family restroom would be required to have an adult changing table for people with disabilities and their caretakers to use while going through the bathroom process. Adult changing tables are capable of holding this amount of weight and can hold an average of 300 lbs. Some tables are also capable of being able to adjust up and down and some have a lift that can lift them up to a height that is easier for the caretaker to work with. Accessories and safety features are also available for these tables and there are many different designs to choose from so that businesses can find a table that is most convenient for them. (Prices vary as a result of these different styles.)

An example of a high-tech changing table, courtesy of Max-Ability.com.

An example of a lower-tech changing table, courtesy of Keitzer.com. 

WHO IS MATTHEW?

 

"Matthew is 15 years old and has two older brothers who are very close to him. He attends St. Peter School in Huber Heights and has been fully included in the regular classes almost entirely since he was 3. His classmates and friends are his biggest motivators.

 

Before birth, he developed a Dandy Walker malformation* in his brain, which caused severe hydrocephalus**. Due to the excess fluid, his brain did not form properly, causing him to have multiple disabilities. He uses a wheelchair and needs assistance for daily activities, including diaper changes.

 

He knows people very well and gives different reactions to different people. He does not speak words, but communicates very well through body language, hand gestures, and faces that he makes. He can be very stubborn and loves to play games when we try to do things he does not like such as putting on a coat. He likes to listen to music and enjoys things that light up. His favorite time is with his brothers and his friends. He makes everyone smile and realize the importance of celebrating when achieving goals, no matter big or small they may be.

 

Our family has had the goal of including Matthew as a productive member of our community since day one and with the help of those around us, we have. With three growing boys, we are very active. When we are away from home, we are challenged because public restrooms do not have places for us to change Matthew. He outgrew the pull-down tables for babies about 10 years ago. Therefore, we have to change him on the floor of the van in the open, which can be quite an issue when it is raining or cold, not to mention the privacy factor. He is however, even getting to tall for the floor. I have been contemplating working to get legislation to support restrooms that can accommodate people who need changing tables and who need a support person who is of the opposite gender for about 10 years. I am a special education teacher at the STEM School so when I recently I met another mother with the same struggle, my simple question to our Government teacher, “As a citizen, how do I get a law passed?” quickly turned into a semester long goal for our Government class. Ms. Durkee’s class embraced Matthew when he visited and quickly became believers that we could actually introduce a bill to be added the American Disabilities Act and could even get it in place.

 

Only 10 weeks into this endeavor, we have met and collaborated with parents who support children with disabilities, people with disabilities, organizations to support advocacy, and Peggy Lehner, who has agreed to sponsor “Matthew’s Bill.” As Matthew’s mother and an educator, it gives me pride in both our Democratic Society and the young adults that are shaping it. My hope is that through our work, we can help others have understanding and also take pride in supporting our fellow community members."

 

- Mrs. Jennifer Helton; Matthew's mother

 

*Read more about Dandy Walker malformations here.     **Read more about hydrocephalus here.

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