During an award ceremony hosted by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley at The Bridge in Bridgeport today, the CFOV presented Easterseals Rehabilitation Center with an $8,000 River Valley Health Fund grant to purchase a universal changing table to be installed at the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville. River Valley Health Fund is a component fund of the CFOV.
Easterseals applied for the funding because it recognizes the need for a changing table that is accessible to everyone. The changing table will be equipped with an electronic system that lowers and raises the table at the push of a button. This allows for safer and easier transfers to the table, particularly for children and adults weighing over 40 pounds and for caregivers who may lack strength to lift their loved one or client onto a stationary table.
"Many individuals living with disabilities and medical conditions do not have access to a safe, private, and dignified place to utilize the restroom in public. Baby changing tables are too small for older children and adults, but universally designed changing table accommodate everyone," according to the Changing Spaces Campaign, an Ohio nonprofit that has worked to place universal changing tables in public spaces, such as airports, libraries, and shopping centers.
"We have heard from parents who face difficulty changing their child's diaper when they are out running errands or enjoying activities at the mall. They either endure the inconvenience of going back out to their car, no matter the weather; they grudgingly place the child on the bathroom floor to change him; or, they simply stay home. This universal changing table will give families the freedom and flexibility that most of us take for granted," Betsy Bethel-McFarland, Easterseals Marketing and Development Director, said.
"We are grateful to the Community Foundation, the River Valley Health Fund board members, and the Ohio Valley Mall for making this project possible. Their support allows us to provide life-changing solutions for people with disabilities in the Ohio Valley."
Additional details and a timeline will be announced at a later date.
Photo Caption: Pictured at today's ceremony are, from left, River Valley Health Fund board member Shelly Carenbauer, Easterseals Marketing and Development Director Betsy Bethel-McFarland, Ohio Valley Mall Marketing Director Candi Noble-Greathouse, RVHF board member Kathy Fry, and CFOV Communications Specialist Shelby Davis.
