MANSFIELD — A day at a festival or community event may come with a specific concern for many families: how long can we stay before personal care becomes a barrier?

That question got a new answer — thanks to Richland Newhope, which unveiled its new accessible changing trailer Wednesday afternoon. The mobile unit is designed to give individuals with disabilities a safe, private and dignified space for personal care – no matter where an event takes place.

“This is just one more step to making our community more accessible,” said Michele Giess, Richland Newhope superintendent. “Our initiative is to break down barriers so people aren’t left out.”

Built for accessibility, designed for events

After more than a year of planning, Richland Newhope teamed up with Montondo Trailer of New York to create a unit tailored to local needs, funded through a mix of board funds and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The trailer includes an electronic changing table that can move up and down, allowing individuals to either transfer directly onto it or use the onboard lift to move from a wheelchair. This setup enables caregivers to assist safely and comfortably with personal care needs.

“You can hook it up to a water source and power so the sink and lift work the way they should,” Giess added. “We also added features like a pump sink and we’re looking into adding a generator so it would work even in a situation where they don’t have power or water accessible.”

That flexibility was intentional. 

“We designed this specifically for that because we know in Richland County, there’s a lot of outdoor events that are a little more remote, so we were very conscientious when we designed that,” she noted. 

Giess emphasized the trailer fills a gap — not by replacing handicap accessible restrooms, but by addressing a specific situation.

“Oftentimes parent groups find needs involving people with disabilities, then go out and try to find the resources,” she said. “There are parents who realize there’s nowhere to support their teenage or adult children when they’re out at community events to do personal care.”

What began as a simple solution — a portable tent brought to events — has grown into something bigger. 

“Any fair, festival or school graduation — the possibilities are endless as long as we can find a flat spot to unload it,” she said. “Our goal is that this is not sitting here. I want it out in the community and at every event, anybody that has anything going on.”

Troy Smith, Newhope manager of community education and special projects, said the organization is “excited for our community members to have this space.”

Smith said there are many times people need this, often having to leave events or change in undignified spaces.

He said they want to change that — with this being another step of their commitment to accessibility.

For those hoping to bring the trailer to their event, requests can be made by calling 419-774-4200 or visiting rnewhope.org.

The trailer also builds on a broader effort already underway. 

Richland Newhope has installed permanent changing tables at locations including the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield YMCA, Snow Trails, Sterkel Park, Buckeye Imagination Museum and Mansfield Speedway.

A community investment in dignity

Leaders across Richland County said the trailer represents more than convenience.

“This ribbon-cutting is more than just a resource — it reflects compassion, dignity and a commitment to serve every individual in our community,” said Jennifer Wagner, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development director of member services.

She praised the Richland Newhope team for making a monumental difference in the lives of local families.

Jessica Gribben, Richland Chamber CEO and president, highlighted how the trailer allows families to participate fully in community events.

Mansfield City Council 5th Ward representative Aurelio Diaz said Richland Newhope continues to be his favorite organization in the county. He noted the trailer breaks down limitations and promotes natural integration.

Cliff Mears, Richland County commissioner, added the accessible changing table allows so much more quality of life and opens the door to events people couldn’t attend before. 

“50 years ago, this would not have been thought of, practical or possible — this has shown things we couldn’t even imagine years ago and how inclusive it is now, this is a wonderful investment.”

(Photos of the accessible changing trailer and ribbon cutting on Wednesday afternoon. Credit: Hannah Martin)