Imagine if a traditional restroom was not accessible to you? Would you risk taking care of your personal needs in an unsafe or unsanitary environment, or just stay home?

Adults, children and seniors with disabilities and their caregivers face these decisions regularly. Those needing assistance in the restroom or a larger space to change when they attend community events, are often limited to the trunk of a car or the bathroom floor.

The Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities is working to change that by partnering with Momentum Refresh. For the first time in Licking County history, four upcoming summer events will be more accessible than ever — thanks to the Momentum Refresh mobile restroom.

Momentum Refresh is the first-ever universal design mobile restroom resource in the U.S.

Their restroom vehicle, which is the size of a food truck, includes a wheelchair lift, an adjustable changing table that can accommodate an adult, a ceiling hoist and an accessible toilet and sink.   Trained staff members stay with the vehicle at all times to provide information and clean the space between uses. 

“By offering a safe and dignified environment for personal care, Momentum Refresh eliminates barriers, provides hope and opens up the world so all people can enjoy local events to the fullest extent,” said Lori Anderson, President and CEO of Momentum Refresh. “This not only promotes inclusivity and equal access but also sends a powerful message of respect, equity, and understanding to the broader community.”

Look for the Momentum Refresh vehicle at the following events:

The Hartford Independent Fair: By the Centerburg food stand at Hartford Fairgrounds, 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Croton, Ohio. The vehicle will be available to the public from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Sunday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 – Friday, Aug. 9 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10.

Pataskala Street Fair: South Main Street in Pataskala, Ohio. The vehicle will be available to the public from noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 14 to 17 near the main Portajohn area.

Pataskala Hometown Festival: Broadview Golf Course, 5694 Headleys Mill Road SW. The vehicle will be available to the public from 1 to 6 p.m. Additional details to come.

Additional updates and details about these events can be found at lcountydd.org/momentum.

LCBDD applied for American Rescue Plan ACT (ARPA) funds from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities in fall 2023 to support accessible restroom facilities. The Board received $117,450 to enter into a contract with Momentum Refresh and plans to partner with community events by sponsoring the vehicle’s rental fee as future funding allows.

The Momentum vehicle debuted in Licking County at LCBDD’s Summer Kickoff on May 4. Seven people were able to use the vehicle for personal care and more than 40 people took a tour to learn more.

“We know that this is a need in our community and offering this option has benefits that go far beyond the population that we support,” said Jason Umstot, LCBDD’s Superintendent and CEO.  “We are thrilled that our partnership with Momentum Refresh will allow people who often face barriers, to enjoy these fairs and festivals with family and friends.”

LCBDD was the recipient of more than $458,000 in ARPA funds and will be announcing more projects in the coming months that will increase inclusion and accessibility in Licking County.