Accessible restroom returns to Harrison events

As spring and summer bring a full calendar of fairs, festivals and outdoor events, many people are making plans to enjoy them. Yet for people with disabilities who have personal care needs, attending community events can depend on something others take for granted: access to a restroom that meets their needs.

To help remove that barrier, the Belmont, Harrison and Noble County Boards of Developmental Disabilities are once again bringing Momentum Refresh, the nation’s first fully accessible mobile restroom, to community events across the three-county region in 2026.

“This service provides dignity for people with disabilities whose personal care needs have made it difficult for them to attend and enjoy community events,” said Gloria Llewellyn, superintendent of the Belmont, Harrison and Noble County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.

Llewellyn said ADA-accessible restrooms do not always meet the needs of people with disabilities. Because of this, many cannot or do not attend activities.

Over the past two years, Momentum Refresh has served more than 2,200 restroom guests at events including the Harrison County Fair, Scio Summer Fest and Freeport VFD Festival. Many guests have shared how much the service means to them, especially when access to an appropriate restroom can determine whether they are able to stay and enjoy an event.

One guest described the experience as “unexpectedly easy,” adding that bathroom breaks are often difficult, but Momentum Refresh made it possible to manage personal care needs with less stress.

Others have expressed gratitude for the added space, equipment and support. One caregiver said helping a loved one inside Momentum Refresh was much easier than trying to use a standard accessible stall, while another shared the relief of knowing there was a restroom available that could accommodate her daughter.

The unit is equipped with a full-size adjustable adult changing table, lift system and on-site staff to assist users, provide support and maintain cleanliness. To find out where Momentum Refresh will be in 2026, visit hcbdd.org.

Momentum Refresh will be at the Harrison County Fair in Cadiz June 22-27; Jewett Community Day July 11; Freeport VFD Festival July 24-25; and Scio Summer Fest Aug. 20-22.

Momentum Refresh services are funded by a grant to the three county boards from the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. This is the third year the service has been provided.