New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick announced today the passage of their “Traveling with Dignity Act” (S.4042A/A.6219B) in both houses of the New York State Legislature, and, joined by leaders from CP Unlimited, members of the disability community and advocates, urged that the bill be signed by the governor.
To see a video of the press conference of today’s announcement, click here.
The legislation was shaped by conversations with advocates and direct support professionals who highlighted the challenges related to dignity, accessibility, and inclusion faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) when traveling or attending public events and gatherings.
The bill requires the installation of height-adjustable adult changing tables in enclosed restroom facilities at a range of public locations, including roadside rest areas, museums, public libraries, public buildings, and amusement attractions. It will serve people born with disabilities, seniors and veterans with traumatic injuries. If signed into law, New York would join a growing number of states that have enacted similar legislation, including Arizona, California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
“This legislation advances basic human rights to New York residents and others who deserve nothing less,” said Harckham. “It will benefit residents and visitors alike while advancing the respect, dignity, and inclusion that all people deserve. Right now, unfortunately, people with disabilities, including veterans, cannot participate in the same activities, day trips, and excursions available to everyone else here in New York because of the absence of adult changing areas and disability-friendly restroom facilities.”
Added Harckham, “This common-sense legislation will provide safer, more sanitary spaces for caregivers and family members assisting adults who need support. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues and the many incredible disability advocates to pass this bill, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
“Adult changing stations may be invisible to those who do not need them, but they are essential for those who do,” said Burdick. “This legislation establishes one of the most comprehensive accessibility initiatives in the nation, covering public and private venues, stadiums, and much more. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless advocacy of disability rights organizations and advocates across New York. I thank them, Senator Harckham, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support, and I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law.”
State Senator Rob Rolison said, “Accessibility should never determine whether someone can travel, attend an event or participate in their community. Providing safe, accessible changing facilities is about dignity and ensuring every New Yorker can enjoy our public spaces. I’m proud to cosponsor the Traveling with Dignity Act and urge the Governor to sign it into law.”
Too often, caregivers and family members are forced to provide personal care for an I/DD adult on the floors of public restrooms or in other inappropriate and unsanitary locations because suitable changing facilities are unavailable. These situations frequently compromise privacy, dignity, and hygiene for both individuals and caregivers.
Adult-sized changing tables and hoists installed in family restrooms can accommodate individuals weighing more than 400 pounds, allowing people with disabilities and their families to travel more freely and confidently. Harckham noted that once public facilities begin providing these accommodations, private businesses and venues are likely to follow suit.
Among the advocates who brought the issue to the attention of the lawmakers is Constructive Partnerships Unlimited (CP Unlimited), a nonprofit organization that grew out of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, is a trusted provider of services and supports for people with disabilities. Many CP Unlimited clients were unable to travel to Albany to advocate for themselves and urge passage of the legislation earlier this year because of the lack of accessible changing facilities.
“Frankly, I was saddened and ashamed to learn this,” said Harckham. “No one should be prevented from participating in civic life because basic accessibility accommodations are unavailable.”
Joseph M. Pancari, President and CEO of Constructive Partnerships Unlimited said, “The Traveling with Dignity Act is a vital step forward for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and extends the true intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It comes to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk with bipartisan support in both legislative houses and we are confident that she will see how important her endorsement is to so many people with disabilities, veterans, and seniors across New York. We want 2026 to be the year to celebrate real access to community for all!”
The New York Chapter of the Changing Spaces Campaign also played a critical role in helping shape the legislation.
