Push for improved washroom accessibility at Cambridge City Hall

The City of Cambridge has been exploring accessibility and inclusion improvements at city hall but an advocate says more needs to be done when it comes to washroom equity.

“The only washroom-specific short-term action identified was improved washroom identification or better signage,” said Devin Sisak of Barrier-Free Cambridge.

Sisak addressed the Cambridge Accessibility Advisory Committee on Monday regarding a recent Community Accessibility and Inclusion Audit of Cambridge City Hall.

“While signage is important, finding the washroom is only one part of accessibility,” Sisak told committee. “The most important question is whether everyone can actually use it once they get there.”

Sisak’s 14-year-old son Holden uses a wheelchair and requires an adult-sized change table for his personal care.

Sisak said without a temporary or permanent solution, the only option is to change someone in their chair or on the floor.

“Neither option is safe, sanitary, or dignified.”

Sisak said there’s never been an appropriate washroom available at city hall to meet Holden’s needs.

“If families cannot fully participate in civic life because there’s nowhere to provide basic personal care with dignity, then accessibility is still a barrier.”

While he’s calling for the addition of a permanent adult-sized change table, he’d also like to see a temporary solution, pointing to an effort by the Cambridge Public Library which procured a portable massage table that’s available to patrons with accessibility needs.

“It’s a practical example of how accomodations can be provided today while working for a permanent solution,” noted Sisak.

Mary Kennedy, Director of Corporate Transformation and Citizen Services, explained how the Community Accessibility and Inclusion Audit was executed.

She said they sought feedback from people with lived experience to inform future planning and increase both accessibility and inclusivity, and washrooms were among the areas reviewed.

As Sisak noted, accessible wayfinding signage was among the identified short-term solutions, along with accessible route improvements and repainting accessible parking spaces.

After Kennedy presented an overview, Cambridge Councillor Helen Shwery questioned why washrooms weren’t more prominent.

“Bathrooms are kind of one of the most important thing when someone goes anywhere, and I notice that that wasn’t really a priority in your presentation,” Shwery said.

Kennedy responded that her presentation was only a summary and that washroom-specific improvements were identified through the audit.

However, Kennedy noted larger changes that involve space allocation or moving walls would need to go before the city’s building and construction team.

She said she was grateful to Sisak for identifying items of concern and they will continue to evaluate accessibility as they move forward with city hall improvement plans.

Kennedy said they’re already working to kick off a few of the identified short-term initiatives and hope to integrate the findings into plans for first-floor renovations and 2027 budget approval.