Feds Standardize Changing Stations for All Ages and Abilities
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government is working on new rules to make universal changing stations easier to use for everyone, including people with disabilities. These rules will cover how the stations and their rooms should be private, clean, and accessible. Businesses and public places will need to follow these standards once finalized, and the public can share their thoughts by April 20, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Airport Grant Rule: One Changing Room Per Terminal
Beginning in fiscal year 2030, medium and large hub airports applying for airport development grants must provide written assurance that they will install or maintain at least 1 private single room with a universal changing station in each passenger terminal building. This requirement comes from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and applies to airport grant applicants starting in fiscal year 2030.
New Technical Standards for Changing Tables
The Access Board will develop technical accessibility standards for universal changing tables covering the table surface (size, weight capacity, height adjustability, maneuvering clearances, and side rails) and may incorporate section 613.4 of ICC A117.1-2017 with Supplement 1 by reference or create a federal standard drawn from ADA/ABA guidelines. Once finalized, businesses and public facilities that must follow the rule will need to purchase or install tables that meet those technical criteria.
Considering Continuous Height Adjustability
The Access Board is considering requiring a universal changing table surface that is continuously adjustable within a specified height range. Existing federal Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE) standards specify adjustment from 17 inches to 25 inches with at least four additional 1-inch incremental positions, while ICC A117.1-2017 requires adjustability from 17 inches to 38 inches without specifying incremental heights. The Board seeks comments on the best approach.
Room Privacy, Sanitation, and Equipment Standards
The Board will set standards for the rooms that house universal changing tables addressing privacy, accessibility, and sanitation equipment. The Board may require elements such as a toilet, sink, soap dispenser, hand towel dispenser, waste receptacle, coat hook, bench or seating, a counter, and a lockable door, or incorporate A117.1-2017 Section 613.2.1 by reference.
Rule Scope Limited to Airport Grant-Related Locations
The Access Board states the forthcoming regulation will be limited to providing technical accessibility standards for the universal changing tables required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and will not seek to require universal changing tables in other places or circumstances beyond that statutory scope.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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