tabifolk talks with Lorraine Woodward of Becoming rentABLE about Accessible Rental Properties

Finding suitable accommodations remains one of the biggest challenges for travelers with disabilities. While the desire to explore new places is strong, the lack of truly accessible rental properties often prevents many from experiencing the joy of travel. Enter Becoming rentABLE, a groundbreaking platform that’s changing the landscape of accessible travel accommodations.

In a recent tabifolk talks livestream, host Danielle Connolly sat down with Lorraine Woodward, the visionary founder of Becoming rentABLE, to discuss how her platform is making travel more accessible for everyone. This episode offers valuable insights for travelers with disabilities, property owners looking to expand their market, and anyone interested in making the world more inclusive.

The Birth of Becoming rentABLE

Becoming rentABLE is a specialized listing platform that connects travelers with accessible rental properties. Unlike traditional booking sites, Becoming rentABLE focuses exclusively on properties that have been evaluated and validated for accessibility features.

Lorraine Woodward’s journey to creating this platform stems from her personal experience. As someone living with muscular dystrophy who uses an electric wheelchair, and as a mother of two adult sons who also have MD, Lorraine understands the challenges of finding suitable accommodations firsthand.

“Traveling was difficult,” Lorraine explained during the livestream. “Imagine getting in a van, three scooters, chairs, four people, snacks, and then finding a place that we all can enjoy.”

This frustration led Lorraine to build her own accessible beach property in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from renters who stayed there—all expressing how difficult it was to find accessible accommodations—sparked the idea for Becoming rentABLE.

The Accessibility Gap

The numbers revealed during the livestream are staggering: while there are approximately 1.5 million rental properties listed in the United States, less than 1% (fewer than 15,000) are accessible. This severe shortage exists despite the fact that 60-75% of people with disabilities want to travel and have the financial means to do so.

“Accommodations is the number one factor of why they don’t travel,” Lorraine emphasized. “People would pay more for an accessible place to stay versus not being able to travel—that’s pretty significant.”

More Than Just a Ramp

What makes Becoming rentABLE unique is its comprehensive approach to accessibility. The platform features 63 searchable filters—43 for mobility needs and 20 for cognitive needs—allowing travelers to find properties that meet their specific requirements.

Lorraine shared fascinating insights about what constitutes accessibility, noting that many property owners don’t recognize the accessible features they already have. Something as simple as a concrete driveway qualifies as an accessibility feature because it allows wheelchair users to safely exit their vehicles—unlike gravel, dirt, or grass surfaces where wheels might get stuck.

During the livestream, Lorraine described innovative solutions implemented in her “Little Yellow House,” a model property showcasing accessible design. Features include:

– A creative solution for housing a Hoyer lift by converting closet space into a playhouse
– Twin beds arranged under a king-size headboard with a king comforter, one being a hospital bed
– Pull-out drawer for service animal food and water
– An accessible back entrance when the front entrance has steps

Business Opportunity and Future Plans

One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation was Lorraine’s business perspective. She emphasized that accessible rentals represent a significant untapped market opportunity, particularly for properties near hospitals, colleges, and tourist destinations.

“I guarantee you 100%, you will have bookings if you are near a hospital,” Lorraine stated confidently, explaining how families traveling for medical care often struggle to find suitable accommodations.

The platform’s success has already attracted attention from major players in the travel industry. Becoming rentABLE was selected as the top company in Expedia Group’s Open World Accelerator program, leading to an educational partnership to help Vrbo hosts make their properties more accessible.

Looking ahead, Lorraine shared exciting developments, including:

– A partnership with Rockaway Beach, Oregon, creating an ordinance that gives accessible rental properties an exception to the community’s rental cap
– Continued work with Arkansas State Parks to improve accessibility
– Development of a 400-square-foot mobile accessible unit with 52 accessibility features

Watch the Livestream

https://youtube.com/live/GvtkAd4C70I

Join the Movement

The tabifolk Talks livestream with Lorraine Woodward offers valuable insights for anyone interested in accessible travel. Whether you’re a traveler seeking accommodations, a property owner looking to expand your market, or simply someone who believes in making the world more inclusive, this conversation provides a roadmap for progress.

Becoming rentABLE is more than just a booking platform—it’s a movement toward a more accessible world where everyone can experience the joy of travel.

To learn more about Becoming rentABLE, visit becomingrentable.com or find them on social media.

Ready to join a community of travelers who value accessibility? Create a free account on tabifolk or download the tabifolk app—the best community for accessible travel where you can share experiences, ask questions, and connect with fellow travelers who understand your needs.

Don’t forget to subscribe to tabifolk talks on YouTube for more inspiring conversations about accessible travel!