Accessibility and inclusivity have become essential elements in the lodging industry, yet they are often overlooked.
“I’ve been in the industry for about 30 years, and one of the things that’s always been either not talked about or just kind of shoved aside is accessibility. In my old management background, I would go to owners and say, ‘we need to do something to be more inclusive and accessible for folks with mobility challenges,’ and they always saw it as an expense and a hassle,” Randy Hendrickson, the CEO and co-founder of Evolve Lodging, told Modern Campground.
In an exclusive interview, the creator of the accessible lodging model called “Accessible Retreat,” highlighted the importance of accessibility in enhancing the guest experience in outdoor hospitality.
To address the gap in accessible accommodations, EVOLVE Lodging has partnered with Becoming rentABLE, GeoPro Modular, SLX Hospitality, and ELEV8 Architecture to create Accessible Retreat, the first Becoming rentABLE-certified mobile unit. The accessible features ensure that guests with mobility challenges can enjoy their stay without barriers, offering 52 accessible features and a fully furnished interior and exterior.
According to its website, Accessible Retreat not only enhances guest satisfaction but also opens new opportunities for businesses to serve a broader customer base. It is designed to prioritize accessibility both inside and out.
The exterior features a ramp with rounded handrails and lighting, an accessible front stoop, lever door handles, 36″ exterior doors, and a zero-threshold entry. Inside, and the unit offers 36″ door widths, glider/barn doors, lever handles, blackout curtains with electric controls, raised electrical outlets, and hard surface flooring with no carpets.
Customization options also include accessible interior and exterior furniture packages, custom cabinets, various exterior finishes, and decking configurations, along with lighting and water feature packages.
Hendrickson emphasized that accessible accommodations not only serve the needs of individuals with mobility challenges but also offer significant benefits to property owners, from increasing guest loyalty to unlocking new revenue opportunities.
Difference between ADA and Accessibility
One of the primary distinctions that Hendrickson emphasized is the difference between ADA standards and true accessibility. “ADA is a sort of a code, but it’s not about livability,” he explained.
Livability, according to Hendrickson, focuses on ensuring ease of use and comfort for individuals with mobility challenges. This concept has been central to Evolve Lodging’s partnerships, particularly with experts like Lorraine Woodward, who has played a significant role in designing accessible accommodations.
Hendrickson stressed the importance of educating property owners on the differences between ADA compliance and actual accessibility. “I didn’t even know the difference until I started talking with our architect and Lorraine Woodward,” he said. This education process is key in helping industry leaders understand that while ADA compliance is about meeting legal standards, accessibility is about creating a space that works for everyone.
“Turning radius for ADA versus ‘can I get in and out with ease’ [are] two very different matters—one’s accessible [and] one [is] ADA. They’re (Becoming rentABLE) more equipped than I to tell you—chapter and verse—the difference, but that’s the notable difference: you don’t have to be ADA-compliant to be accessible,” Hendrickson told Modern Campground.
Financial Viability of Accessible Accommodations
Financial viability is another compelling reason lodging properties invest in accessible accommodations. Hendrickson pointed out that 26% of the American population has some form of disability, representing 70 million people. “You compete for almost nobody for 70 million opportunities,” he explained, illustrating the untapped market potential for accessible units. He further added, “Just giving 70 million people that option means this is financially viable.”
Accessible accommodations not only open up new revenue streams but also have a significant impact on guest perception. According to Hendrickson, accessible properties can expect higher guest satisfaction and loyalty from individuals with disabilities. “When we’re reaching out to the disability community and saying, we thought of you and we wanted this, that’s going to make them very grateful and probably repeat visitors to your property,” he said.
Beyond individual accommodations, comprehensive accessibility can elevate the entire property. Hendrickson suggested that once property owners invest in accessible units, they may be motivated to extend accessibility to other areas of the park, such as paved sidewalks or ramps into stores.
“You’re also going to find the ADA is going to be higher, and the guest satisfaction is going to be higher. Because when they can go to an approved unit, they know it’s going to meet their needs. I’m not saying charge whatever you want, but there’s going to be a premium for that kind of an experience that they’re going to gladly pay,” Hendrickson explained.
As Hendrickson and his team continue to push for greater accessibility in the lodging industry, the benefits are clear. From financial viability to improved guest satisfaction and marketing exposure, accessible accommodations are a win-win for both property owners and guests.
“When we’re reaching out to the disability community and saying, ‘we thought of you,’ and ‘we wanted this,’ that’s going to make them very grateful and probably [make them] repeat visitors to your property, right? So this is just a groundswell from which other good things happen,” Hendrickson noted.
Featured image by Accessible Retreat via accessibleretreat.com