Mobile Changing Unit fills a void in festival facilities in Jefferson County

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — Are you ready for a full summer schedule of fairs, festivals and fun?

Jefferson County is, and they don’t want a lack of accessibility to be the reason anyone stays home on those warm nights.

The Board of Developmental Disabilities has bought a mobile changing unit specifically for the special needs population during community events.

The air-conditioned trailer has a toilet, sink, and lift table, and will be parked in an easy-to-access spot during street events, such as First Fridays and Wintersville Wednesdays.

The Board hopes it will bring out those who have avoided coming out due to inadequate facilities.

“It’s easier for them to say ‘well, I can’t access the community, I’ll just stay at home.’ They can’t access the fort or the concerts. They can’t access First Fridays…Again, really making sure that people realize this is here so they have inclusion and accessibility.”

Michael Zinno, Superintendent, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities

They hope those wheels on the unit will be put to use throughout the county this year at any events that request it.

Zinno says it’s one of the first in Ohio and the county hopes to be a trendsetter.

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