Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick with legislators, CP Unlimited staff, caregivers and advocates.
Photo courtesy of Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / Tom Staudter
Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2026 4:27 pm
State Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Chris Burdick announced the passage of their “Traveling with Dignity Act” in both houses of the New York state Legislature and joined disability advocates in urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the bill.
The legislation would require height-adjustable adult changing tables in enclosed restrooms at public locations including roadside rest areas, museums, public libraries, public buildings and amusement attractions.
The bill was shaped by conversations with advocates and direct support professionals about accessibility challenges faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), according to the lawmakers.
If signed into law, New York would join states including Arizona, California, Michigan and Pennsylvania that have enacted similar legislation.
“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.”
Harckham called the measure “common-sense legislation” that “will provide safer, more sanitary spaces for caregivers and family members assisting adults who need support.”
Harckham said he was proud to support the legislation alongside his colleagues.
“Adult changing stations may be invisible to those who do not need them, but they are essential for those who do,” said Burdick, who represents the 93rd Assembly District. “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.”
Constructive Partnerships Unlimited, or CP Unlimited, was among the advocates involved in bringing the issue to lawmakers. The nonprofit provides services and support to 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.”
The act is what Joseph M. Pancari, president and CEO of CP Unlimited called “a vital step forward for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and extends the true intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
He added that it comes to Gov. Hochul “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.”
Jacqueline and Anthony Scali, leaders of the New York Chapter of the Changing Spaces Campaign, also advocated for the legislation.
The Scalis said the “bill isn’t just about people with disabilities. It impacts their parents, grandparents, siblings, and entire families. When a person with a disability can go somewhere, their family can go somewhere. When they can participate, their loved ones can participate alongside them. I
Westchester County Veterans Service Agency Director Joshua Gaccione also urged Hochul to sign the measure.
“Whether it is an aging veteran needing assistance or a younger service member managing a service-connected disability, our community spaces must accommodate everyone with respect, hygienic care and compassion,” Gaccione said. “The Traveling with Dignity Act ensures basic, necessary accessibility in public facilities across New York.”