Why It Matters
To understand why this work matters, you first have to understand who my son, Greyson Channing, truly was. And for that, we begin at the beginning.
Greyson's Light
My son Greyson was the most amazing person. He had a light that shone from within—pure joy. That does not mean his life was without challenges or that things were always easy. They weren't. But despite those challenges, Greyson could see beauty in the simplest things: a beautiful blue sky, the clouds, a favorite song, an old black-and-white movie, or just cuddling and listening to a story.
Music was Greyson's love language. He heard every nuance in a song, and he felt the emotion behind it. Although he was nonverbal, I have always said that Greyson could say more with one look than most people could say with a thousand words.
When the World Became Smaller
As Greyson grew, everyday outings became more difficult. He was far too big for a baby changing table, yet there were almost no safe, clean, dignified places where I could assist him with his self-care needs.
At the same time, my mother used a walker and had self-care needs of her own. I found myself caring for two people I loved who needed something most public places simply did not provide: a restroom that truly worked for them.
Like many families, we initially thought there was no answer. Then I learned about Changing Places in the United Kingdom and saw what was possible. I assumed someone would bring the concept across the pond. By 2015, I realized that wasn't happening in the States very quickly. So, Greyson and I began Universal Changing Places to help raise awareness and advocate for change.
A Movement Begins
Universal Changing Places grew from a class project in Partners in Policymaking. Our first goal was to advocate for these facilities at Florida rest areas because Greyson and I traveled so much by van.
The work grew from there. Florida began installing Universal Changing Places in rest areas, and we continued advocating for facilities in other public spaces, including our civic center (Donald L. Tucker) and Florida State University Stadium. What began as a practical need became a mission shared by Greyson, my mother, and me.
Learn more about these Florida Locations at
Universal Changing Places(opens in new tab)
We were—and remain—grateful for the ADA and the enormous difference it has made. But accessibility
can continue to improve. An ADA-accessible restroom still does not meet the needs of everyone. There
are people who cannot safely or practically use a standard accessible toilet or restroom without additional space, equipment, and support. Universal Changing Places help close that gap.
Why the Work Continues
For the next eight years of Greyson's life, this was something we championed together. He was not simply the reason for the work; he was my co-founder and my partner in it. He came to events with me, helped us make people aware, and shared that unforgettable smile.
When Greyson passed, that light dimmed for me. For a while, I was lost. I had to find my way forward without the person who I loved so much and had been beside me through all of it.
Eventually, I understood that the work could not end. The Greyson Channing Foundation became a way to continue his legacy and carry the mission forward.
Why We Keep Moving Forward.
I watched Greyson's world, our world, become smaller because the facilities he needed simply were not there.
I do not want that for another person or another family. I want people to be able to go where they want to go, participate in their communities, enjoy a day out, travel, attend an event, visit a library—and know they have a safe, clean, dignified place to meet their self-care needs.
Being a full-time care provider for someone with special care needs is challenging and heartbreaking at times, but it is also a beautiful gift. Greyson taught me how much joy and beauty can be found in life, even in the midst of challenges. Something as basic as an appropriate restroom should not make that life harder or force a family to stay home.
That is why this matters.
Because of Greyson, this mission—this calling—lives on. And that is the beautiful thing about my little boy:
HIS LIGHT STILL SHINES.
Why It Matters
To understand why this work matters, you first have to understand who my son, Greyson Channing, truly was. And for that, we begin at the beginning.
Greyson's Light
My son Greyson was the most amazing person. He had a light that shone from within—pure joy. That does not mean his life was without challenges or that things were always easy. They weren't. But despite those challenges, Greyson could see beauty in the simplest things: a beautiful blue sky, the clouds, a favorite song, an old black-and-white movie, or just cuddling and listening to a story.
Music was Greyson's love language. He heard every nuance in a song, and he felt the emotion behind it. Although he was nonverbal, I have always said that Greyson could say more with one look than most people could say with a thousand words.
When the World Became Smaller
As Greyson grew, everyday outings became more difficult. He was far too big for a baby changing table, yet there were almost no safe, clean, dignified places where I could assist him with his self-care needs.
At the same time, my mother used a walker and had self-care needs of her own. I found myself caring for two people I loved who needed something most public places simply did not provide: a restroom that truly worked for them.
Like many families, we initially thought there was no answer. Then I learned about Changing Places in the United Kingdom and saw what was possible. I assumed someone would bring the concept across the pond. By 2015, I realized that wasn't happening in the States very quickly. So, Greyson and I began Universal Changing Places to help raise awareness and advocate for change.
Learn more about these Florida Locations at
Universal Changing Places
A Movement Begins
Universal Changing Places grew from a class project in Partners in Policymaking. Our first goal was to advocate for these facilities at Florida rest areas because Greyson and I traveled so much by van.
The work grew from there. Florida began installing Universal Changing Places in rest areas, and we continued advocating for facilities in other public spaces, including our civic center (Donald L. Tucker) and Florida State University Stadium. What began as a practical need became a mission shared by Greyson, my mother, and me.
We were—and remain—grateful for the ADA and the enormous difference it has made. But accessibility can continue to improve. An ADA-accessible restroom still does not meet the needs of everyone. There are people who cannot safely or practically use a standard accessible toilet or restroom without additional space, equipment, and support. Universal Changing Places help close that gap.
Why the Work Continues
For the next eight years of Greyson's life, this was something we championed together. He was not simply the reason for the work; he was my co-founder and my partner in it. He came to events with me, helped us make people aware, and shared that unforgettable smile.
When Greyson passed, that light dimmed for me. For a while, I was lost. I had to find my way forward without the person who I loved so much and had been beside me through all of it.
Eventually, I understood that the work could not end. The Greyson Channing Foundation became a way to continue his legacy and carry the mission forward.
Why We Keep Moving Forward.
I watched Greyson's world, our world, become smaller because the facilities he needed simply were not there. I do not want that for another person or another family. I want people to be able to go where they want to go, participate in their communities, enjoy a day out, travel, attend an event, visit a library—and know they have a safe, clean, dignified place to meet their self-care needs.
Being a full-time care provider for someone with special care needs is challenging and heartbreaking at times, but it is also a beautiful gift. Greyson taught me how much joy and beauty can be found in life, even in the midst of challenges. Something as basic as an appropriate restroom should not make that life harder or force a family to stay home.
That is why this matters.
Because of Greyson, this mission—this calling—lives on. And that is the beautiful thing about my little boy:
HIS LIGHT STILL SHINES.
Greyson Channing Foundation, Inc.
Come Join the D.A.N.C.E.
Diversity | Accessibility | New Beginnings | Change | Empathy
Diversity | Accessibility |
New Beginnings | Change | Empathy
Greyson Channing Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
©2026 Greyson Channing Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.