Rodeo introduces first-of-its-kind movable changing table

One in seven people in Bexar County has a family member with a disability. These families know that big events like rodeos can be a huge challenge. But one organization has made it much easier.

It is the first mobile changing table of its kind to help families of people with disabilities be together, allowing them to enjoy major events such as rodeos in a hygienic and dignified manner.

Mason, 10, was born with multiple medical diagnoses and needs 24/7 care. He is also the son of ChangingSA founder Tracey Levand. As he got older, attending events like rodeos became much more difficult. Levand told us, “It weighed too much to be changed on the rooftop and changing table, and was too big for the length of the changing table, so we couldn’t do it safely anymore.”

His mother says Mason inspired part of this groundbreaking device.

“This ChangingSA versatile changing table was born from the inspiration for my son and people like him in our community who could use the diaper and toilet with dignity in all the places we know and love,” Levand said.

Inside the unit is an accessible toilet, a universal changing table that can accommodate a person weighing up to 400 pounds, a Hoyer lift to help move a person from a wheelchair to a changing table, a shower, a sink, and even power outlets that will come in handy for those with electric wheelchairs. .

Levand says it’s a game-changer for families like theirs who just want to go to events together. “So all of these things make it inclusive and accessible to everyone in our disability community,” she said.

DisabilitySA says this mobile changing table will be used at other major events in the city. The next one, of course, will be the Fiesta.

To donate to DisabilitySA and support similar initiatives, click here.