koala kare extends accessibility for assisted care to the public

As a fundamental human right, inclusion requires that all people – regardless of their background, abilities or circumstances – be recognized and respected, with equal access to the same resources and opportunities. For many people with disabilities and their carers, accessible toilets they still fail to provide the most essential: a safe, private and dignified place for assisted change. While many facilities comply with ODA and ICC accessibility standards, conventional toilet layouts often do not accommodate users who require additional space, time and support from caregivers. This gap has contributed to the growing adoption of adult changing facilities, which extend accessibility beyond conventional toilet requirements and address needs that standard fixtures cannot meet.

An estimated 1.3 billion people—16% of the world’s population—live with a significant disability, and as the population ages and life expectancy increases, the demand for more inclusive public facilities continues to grow. Adult changing stations have emerged as an important element of inclusive building design, providing dedicated infrastructure for people requiring assisted care in a public setting.

KB3000 by Koala Kare | all images courtesy of Koala Kare

People with disabilities represent a highly diverse group, and factors such as age, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence their health care experiences and needs. According to the Global Disability Inclusion Report prepared for the 2025 World Disability Summitinclusive societies make better use of the strengths and contributions of their entire population, improving resilience to economic, environmental and social challenges, while responding more effectively to technological change, climate change and other global trends.

On the contrary, the blockade has significant economic consequences. For example, underemployment of people with disabilities accounts for about 7% of gross domestic product (GDP) in low- and middle-income countries. These economic losses become even greater when factors such as the opportunity cost associated with unpaid care and support work, which is mainly carried out by women and girls, are taken into account.

planning for inclusion unlocks collective social forces to address economic and social challenges

In architecture, designing universal and accessible spaces creates opportunities for transformation by reducing existing gaps and promoting inclusion. In functional areas such as bathroomsmallarchitects must try to achieve the highest possible level of comfort by taking into account appropriate dimensions, the correct placement of lighting and drainage and other details. In public buildings, a new design paradigm is emerging as governments adopt additional requirements and mandates related to inclusive toilet facilities. Adult changing stations such as KB3000 with Koala Kare products have become part of this transition, helping architects to deal with dignity, safetycaregiver support and code compliance in a single integrated solution.

DEFINITION OF INDIVIDUAL INCLUDING BATHROOM

In pursuit of independent living, many people with disabilities still lack access to safe, private and decent toilet facilities in public places. The inability to use standard restrooms or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant fixtures and the lack of adequate changing areas negatively affects the quality of life for many individuals, often forcing them to remain at home or endure unsafe and unsanitary conditions in public settings.

An individual inclusive toilet is a single-user space designed for people with disabilities—from age two to adulthood—who require assistance from a caregiver. Unlike conventional toilets, these spaces must have longer usage times of 15 to 30 minutes and include specialized equipment such as KB3000 adult changing tableensuring safe care when changing help.

Providing these changing stations represents a commitment to equality, dignity and respect, reinforcing the idea that inclusion should exist everywhere — even in the restrooms. When designing these spaces, it is necessary to consider many issues, such as adequate turning radius for wheelchair and hoists, built-in infrastructure to support a load of up to 500 lb (227 kg), and motorized height adjustments and additional useful features. Incorporating a privacy screen, height-adjustable sink, grab bars, hand sanitizer dispenser, and colostomy bag shelf can further improve accessibility and enhance the overall user experience.

RISK MITIGATION AND ENCOUNTER ORDERS: THE NEW REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

Designing every aspect of the user experience with accessibility in mind is what true inclusion means — restoring dignity, encouraging participation, and reducing caregiver stress. Although much work remains to be done, architectural solutions, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts are expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to use facilities in public buildings. For example, in countries like the UK, adult changing facilities are mandatory in shopping malls, hospitals, stadiums and many other places.

Across the United States and Canada, a growing number of governmental and non-governmental organizations have introduced—or are considering—requirements and recommendations related to the installation of adult locker stations and inclusive bathrooms in public facilities.

The inclusive public architecture actively improves the user experience by reducing stress

Recently, a unified national approach to inclusive toilets was codified. Section 1110.4 of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) from the International Code Council® (ICC) requires adult changing stations, while ICC A117.1 (2017 Supplement 1) includes provisions for assisted toileting and bathing (Section 611) alongside adult changing stations (Section 63). However, design professionals must stay current on the latest requirements in accessible bathroom design through training opportunities such as AIA CEU Accredited for architects, interior designers and building code/inspection professionals, earning professional credits.

HEIGHT ADJUSTABILITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

Beyond meeting regulations and specific design requirements, it is important to consider additional equipment and accessories that maximize the functionality of these spaces, meeting the needs of both users and caregivers.

a height-adjustable surface eliminates transport hazards, ensuring seamless transitions

Stations with static or fixed-height variable surfaces can create significant liability risks and increase the potential for injury to both parties. The transfer point from wheelchair to changing station must be low enough to be safe for both the person changing and the carer assisting them. Adjustable height is essential to facilitate safe movements and ease of movement, offering the caregiver safety and user independence. By adjusting to the height of the hip for the actual changing station, this helps prevent musculoskeletal strain while ensuring a balanced and safe changing environment.

WHERE ENDURANCE MEETS DESIGN

From stadiums and airports to museums, high-traffic public environments require robust, durable designs to serve a wide range of users and maintenance requirements. While cleanliness and hygiene remain important considerations in restroom design, vandal-resistant adult changing stations address a critical need that directly impacts the lives of those who depend on them.

KB3000 by Koala Kare Products incorporates features aimed at both durability and usability safetyfeaturing seamless polyethylene surface for easier cleaning, IK10 impact resistance, IPX4 water resistance, dual chain height adjustment, battery backup function, smart controls, ergonomic safety guard, and 500 lb. capacity.

Thoughtful interior strategies transform public restrooms into dignified, barrier-free environments

Understanding the many issues involved in designing an accessible bathroom, architects today must address everything from spatial planning to safetyhygiene and cleanliness to improve the experience of people with disabilities. Through design strategies that include wall colors, signage, lighting and the functionality of restroom fixtures, affordable design contributes to the creation of dignified and inclusive spaces that accommodate the full range of human abilities. Such as Close KareAdult changing stations provide dignity, safety and code compliance, more buildings and facilities should follow suit to consciously and thoughtfully meet the basic needs of countless people with disabilities who deserve full access to public spaces.

Guest Feature by Agustina Iñiguez / Archdaily