App details locations of single-user restrooms, nursing nests

A team of Grand Valley students and alumni has created a mobile app that details the locations of each single-user restroom and nursing nest in campus buildings that are open to the public.

anyBODYS is free and available in the Apple Store. It was created by the T3 (Teaching Through Technology) team, an interdisciplinary group of computer information systems, engineering, management and marketing students and several alumni. 

Star Swift, associate professor of management, is the T3 advisor. She said the LGBT Resource Center approached her with the idea of creating an app that would benefit anybody searching for a single-user restroom.

Andy Brookhouse, ’04, serves as the alumni advisor for the project. He said the app is the first of its kind created for a university community.

"There are others geared for large cities and users self-report where single-user restrooms are in public buildings to add to the database," said Brookhouse, who earned a degree in computing information systems.

Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity, said the app is one example of how Grand Valley demonstrates its commitment to being a welcoming campus.

"By making it easier to locate accessible restrooms and nursing nests, the anyBODYS app is one more way we can help to ensure all students, faculty and staff members know that they belong at Grand Valley," Bernal said.

anyBODYS lists each single-user restroom, and nursing nests for nursing mothers in public buildings on campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland; regional centers in Muskegon and Traverse City; and the Detroit Center. Some locations have exterior photos to make identification easier.

Suggestions for the app can be sent via email to [email protected].