Owensboro Health opens new assisted changing station for adults with special needs

October 11, 2024 | 12:10 am

Updated October 10, 2024 | 11:51 pm

Owensboro Health on Thursday unveiled a new resource for individuals with mobility challenges, with the ribbon cutting for an assisted changing station at the Pleasant Valley campus. Hospital leadership said the station is designed to accommodate adults and address a critical need in the community for those with disabilities who require help with changing.

The project was a collaboration between Owensboro Health, the Opportunity Center of Owensboro, and the hospital’s volunteer auxiliary. It was inspired by Joey Newton, a special needs advocate and participant at the Opportunity Center. Newton approached the hospital alongside Opportunity Center CEO Rosemary Conder to request the addition of a specialized changing room for those who face mobility challenges.

Newton praised the community and hospital’s efforts to make the project a reality. 

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Owensboro Health and the community. It takes a team to advocate for individuals with disabilities, and I’m grateful to everyone who listened and took action,” Newton said.

Currently, individuals with mobility challenges face significant issues when using public restrooms, including the absence of changing tables, limited space, and lack of privacy. There’s also the challenge of navigating which restroom to use when the caregiver and the individual are of different genders. OH’s new changing station directly addresses these concerns by providing a designated space for adult changing needs.

Beth Steele, chief operating officer at Owensboro Health, expressed excitement about the station’s impact. 

“We’re proud to welcome so many members of the community here today to celebrate this achievement. This project represents our commitment to inclusivity and compassion for all who enter our doors,” Steele said.

Joe Taylor, executive director of facilities at Owensboro Health, highlighted the innovation behind the station’s design and how the hospital learned from the challenges caregivers face. 

“We learned that restrooms aren’t always the best place for changing stations, especially when caregivers and care receivers are of different genders. We wanted to create a space that was easy to access and comfortable for everyone,” Taylor said. 

Conder spoke about the importance of amplifying the voices of those with disabilities. 

“Joey is an inspiration, not just because of his different abilities, but because of his determination to have someone listen,” she said. “This changing station is a testament to his advocacy and the collaboration of so many who believed in making this happen.”

Western Kentucky Field Representative Alex Caudill, speaking on behalf of Gov. Andy Beshear’s office, commended the teamwork behind the project, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” He noted that projects like this are vital for creating a more inclusive and compassionate Kentucky.

State Rep. D.J. Johnson also acknowledged Newton’s role in sparking the initiative, adding that Owensboro is now paving the way for similar facilities in other public spaces. 

“This changing table is the first of its kind in Owensboro, but it won’t be the last. Joey’s advocacy has ensured that future city buildings, including the new sportsplex, will have adult changing tables as part of their design,” Johnson said.

The project was funded by the hospital’s volunteer auxiliary.

Jean Ann Stanley, chair of the auxiliary, expressed admiration for Newton’s heartfelt letter that spurred the project forward. 

“Joey’s desire to make the community better for everyone is inspiring. We are honored to have played a part in making this a reality,” Stanley said.

The assisted changing station is now open and available for use.

October 11, 2024 | 12:10 am

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