Arkansas state parks initiate rental accessibility program for wheelchair users, others
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism has partnered with a company to certify that its short-term rentals meet accessibility standards.
The department has partnered with Becoming RentABLE to certify park properties as accessible by meeting standards. The first site to be certified by the firm was seven units at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
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Conway native and Becoming RentABLE CEO Lorraine Woodward said the remaining 220 Arkansas parks rental properties are expected to be certified by the end of June.
RentABLE requires entryways and doors to be a certain minimum width, alongside hard-surface parking and a walkway to the front door in order for a property to be certified among its requirements. Interiors must be accessible through things like an accommodating bathroom, hard surface flooring, and appropriate room around furnishings to maneuver.
“Somebody has a suction-cup grab handle and thinks that’s good enough, they’re wrong,” Woodward, who herself has muscular dystrophy said.
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RentABLE also certifies properties for those with cognitive issues, such as autism or other types of dementia, requiring standards to be met in accommodations both for safety and emotional support, such as muted colors, locking cabinets and an odor-free environment.
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Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Parks Shea Lewis said the certification is a component of the agency meeting quality standards.
“A key component of the mission of Arkansas State Parks is the enhancement of ‘quality of life through exceptional outdoor experiences,’” Lewis said. “Achieving accessibility certifications through Becoming RentABLE will allow The Natural State to welcome many visitors who have never before had access to the types of first-rate outdoor experiences that our parks provide.”
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“More than a quarter of U.S. adults have a disability,” Woodward said. “Arkansas’ leadership in prioritizing accessibility for all visitors across its state parks is truly commendable and is setting a fantastic example for the rest of the nation.”
Woodward added that she really applauds Arkansas for being the first state in the country to seek out certification.
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