By Okon Ekpenyong and Taiwo Akinlami

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director Kim Hauck, and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn Friday, January 10, 2025 unveiled the first of 29 planned universal changing stations at Ohio rest areas, with the I-71 northbound rest areas in Jeffersonville, Ohio as the first.

Located at the newly redesigned I-71 rest areas in Jeffersonville, the universal changing stations are part of a family restroom, and include an adjustable table in a clean, safe, and private area. The tables are available to people regardless of height, weight, or mobility level, and are often used by people who assist individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.

“Our hope is that these universal changing stations and others we will be installing across the state will encourage new possibilities for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers as they travel Ohio,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“By adding this valuable resource to more of our rest areas, we are increasing inclusion and accessibility for everyone to be able to fully experience all that Ohio has to offer.”

Both Fayette County rest areas on I-71 (northbound and southbound) now have universal changing stations currently open to the public. An additional 17 additional universal changing stations will open at Ohio rest areas in 2025, and 10 more will open by the end of 2026.

“I firmly believe that universal changing stations are a vital addition to our rest areas,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.

“These accessible restrooms promote freedom and accessibility for people with disabilities and their families, enabling them to travel and participate fully in community life as well as providing a clean and safe environment.”

“By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, we not only enhance comfort and convenience for people of all abilities and their families, but also reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces that welcome and support the diverse populations that make up our communities,” said DODD Director Kim Hauck.

Changes Spaces Ohio leaders Kim Kirkwood and Jennifer Corcoran say Ohio leads the nation in installing these important devices. Their group advocates for more public spaces to have them. Kirkwood and Corcoran started the conversation about Ohio adding universal changing tables to new rest area buildings. Changing Spaces also offers an interactive map that highlights public spaces across Ohio equipped with universal changing tables.

“We are incredibly proud that Ohio has made this investment in universal changing tables in our rest stops,” said Changing Spaces Ohio chapter co-leaders Kim Kirkwood and Jennifer Corcoran.

“This will open doors to so many more people across our state who need a safe and dignified place to change while traveling. Our sons inspired our advocacy work, but by building partnerships across the state, countless more people will benefit. We are proud that Ohio is leading the nation in investments in universal changing tables and hope other states are inspired by our success.”

The universal changing stations planned at Ohio rest areas are just part of the DeWine Administration’s broader efforts to promote accessibility for people with disabilities and their families.

Last year, DODD funded the installation of an additional 136 universal changing tables in 42 Ohio counties. These universal changing tables are available in both rural and urban communities alike, and in many different types of public spaces, including museums, libraries, community centers, airports, fairgrounds, and zoos.

Additional efforts include Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ new Accessible Ohio program, which provides valuable resources – including information on installing universal changing tables – to Ohio businesses, communities, venues, and attractions to enhance accessibility.

In addition to unveiling the new universal changing station, Governor DeWine cut the ribbon on the brand-new rest area building on I-71 northbound in Jeffersonville. Inside, travelers can discover images of attractions to explore in central Ohio.

This rest area also features a vintage barber chair, barber pole, and tools from Canal Winchester’s National Barber Museum & Hall of Fame.

“We know how important first impressions are. When people stop at Fayette County’s new rest area – whether on a long road trip, visiting friends and family, or just passing through – we want them to know they have arrived somewhere extraordinary,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.

“Ohio’s re-imagined rest areas welcome travelers to our great state, giving them a sneak peek at all the Buckeye State has to offer, and hopefully leave them inspired to explore even more.”

Outside the new rest area, kids and their families can enjoy walking along the Storybook Trail, a path featuring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library book “There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake” by Ohio author and illustrator Loren Long.

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