Universal Changing Station
The town of Exeter recently installed a universal changing station in the Town Hall building at 120 Water Street.
Universal changing stations are large-size, height-adjustable powered changing tables that can accommodate infants through adults.
“The town of Exeter remains committed in complying with ADA guidelines," said Select Board Chair Niko Papakonstantis. "Installing the universal changing table was a significant step in ensuring that our downtown is safe and accessible for all.”
The new changing station is located in the public restrooms at the lowest level of the Town Hall building, adjacent to the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. There is a ramp from the sidewalk, automatic doors and signage to follow to the table.
The installation was funded by the ADA Capital Reserve Fund, established following the 2019 ADA Study. In 2023, a warrant article was approved to create the fund with an initial $25,000, and in 2024, an additional $50,000 was added.
The NH Universal Changing Station Alliance calls Exeter “a model of both accessibility and collaboration. We encourage municipalities and entities across the state to emulate the process set forth by Exeter. They have achieved something truly momentous and have proved themselves to be leaders in the state.”
The community has warmly welcomed the new facility.
“A universal and accessible changing space offers our family dignity and safety for our medically complex son when he needs to use a restroom," said Anastacia Barr. "Knowing there is a space to include him for such a basic human need is a relief from having to use floors, car trunks, and other unsanitary locations.”
The project was driven by local advocates Amanda Kelly and Maureen Rashidifard, who presented the idea to the Select Board in September 2023. The installation was completed by Jeff Beck and the Department of Public Works team in August 2024, with flyers distributed to downtown businesses and restaurants to inform the public.
Universal changing stations address a critical but often overlooked need in the community. Older disabled children and adults who rely on incontinence products and a caregiver to assist them have historically been changed on bathroom floors or in the back of their cars if they venture out into the community. This lack of hygiene, privacy and dignity has left many feeling they must just stay home. With a full-size, height-adjustable table in the Town Hall, there is now a central location where anyone enjoying downtown can go.
"I'm so pleased, as both a business owner and a resident of Exeter, to have a universal changing station available," said Cymbidium Floral business owner Jessica Christoferson. "It shows that Exeter cares about being inclusive of its residents and visitors. It's a wonderful step in the right direction and hopefully will inspire other towns to follow suit.”
Additional projects Exeter has undertaken for accessibility in recent years include renovating Park Street Common and Kid’s Park playgrounds to include accessible matting and new accessible equipment, new voting machines for blind residents, and the upcoming renovation of Planet Playground.
