Inclusive Communities

The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities is dedicated to making our community as safe, inclusive and accessible for everyone in our community as we can. With funding we received from an ARPA grant, we have been creating opportunities for local festivals, businesses and parks to be accessible for all. If you are interested in having any of these at your event or business, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we will be in touch soon!

Universal Changing Table

Space needed for setting up the Universal Changing Table (UCT):

• Table measures 31” x 80”

• Need an additional 36” along one side of the table for maneuvering

• Need space for a table of supplies and a trash can

• Total space: at least 42 Sq. Ft. (6’ x 7’)

• The table requires electricity so it needs to be placed near an outlet or extension cord

Recommended places to put the table:

• A family restroom

• A gender neutral bathroom if it can be locked to become a single use restroom

• A conference room or other type of room that can be locked

• Outside using 10’ x 10’ tent (also available to borrow if needed) - electricity is needed

Supplies include:

• Hand sanitizer if there is no sink

• Trash can

• Sanitizing wipes for cleaning the table surface in between uses

• Disposable pads to be used as a barrier between the individual and the table

• Plastic bags for wet/soiled incontinent supplies to be placed before throwing into the trash can

• Gloves

• 10’ x 10’ tent with an enclosed canopy when there is no private room

We suggest you include the table in all your communications about the event so potential participants know about the accessibility features of your event! Ensure the staff and volunteers are aware of the changing table area so they can inform guests.

Please be sure to follow all safety instructions in the manual. The Maximum capacity is 496 lbs.

If you would like to borrow our Universal Changing Table for your next event, please fill out the form below and we will reach out to you soon!

Communication Board

A communication board is a visual aid that helps people with limited or no verbal communication express themselves. It uses pictures, symbols, or illustrations to represent words, phrases, or concepts, allowing users to point, gesture, or blink at the images to communicate their needs and thoughts. These boards are a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and can be low-tech (like a printed sheet of paper) or high-tech (like a tablet with a speech-generating app). 

Our communication boards were designed with inclusion in mind, providing easy, convenient access to the most common words used to communicate across multiple settings. The communication board is a free standing A Frame board that allows you to place it in a easy to access area of your event or business so anyone can communicate freely.

If you would like to use one of our free standing Communication Boards at your next event, please complete the form below and we will reach out soon!