Adult Changing Table Installed At Brookfield Public Library

BROOKFIELD, WI — The Brookfield Public Library is the latest facility in Wisconsin to be equipped with a diaper-changing table that can handle adults and children alike.

The new changing table, located in the children's area restroom, is powered and adjustable to provide family and caretakers with a safe, clean and dignified way to take care of people with disabilities and incontinent older adults, according to a news release from Alderman Mike Hallquist. The changing tables can also be used for children.

Behind the project is Sarah Knowles, a Brookfield resident and advocate for the organization Changing Spaces Wisconsin. Knowles started the organization in 2016 after years of struggling to find places where she can give her 23-year-old son who has cerebral palsy a proper change, according to the organization's website.

"He is a wheelchair user, and his disabilities mean he will suffer lifelong incontinence. He needs frequent diaper changes but outgrew baby changing tables years ago," said Knowles in a news release. "Without this facility, our family would be forced to either change Matthew in the back of our van or lay on the floor of a public restroom. Having this clean & dignified place to change my child will allow my family, and many others to really enjoy our community to the fullest.”

Adult changing tables have also been installed at other spots in the greater Milwaukee area through the years amid Knowles' advocacy, including at Summerfest Grounds, Mitchell International Airport, Discovery World, Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee County Zoo and more.

“The lack of powered, adult size tables affects families like ours on a daily basis," said Knowles in the release, "it leads to social isolation and the feeling of exclusion and has a negative impact on mental health. These tables aren’t just a piece of equipment for us, they are life changing! The thing about disability is that every single person is just one accident or illness away from becoming disabled. I’m grateful to the City for providing this facility, and I’d encourage other communities to consider adding universal changing stations to their restroom facilities.”

Hallquist called the installation a step forward for making Brookfield more accessible to people with disabilities and older adults, and their caretakers and family members.

"This universal changing table will allow residents and visitors of Brookfield to enjoy our library, farmer’s market, city programming, and the many businesses our City has to offer without fear of having to find a clean and dignified facility for adult diaper changing," said Hallquist in the release. "It’s a big quality of life improvement.”

You can find more information about Changing Spaces Wisconsin through the campaign's website.