Novartis and Becoming rentABLE Partner to Expand Accessible Short-Term Rentals for the SMA Community
核心洞察
Novartis and Becoming rentABLE (搜索) are collaborating to add approximately 100 new verified accessible short-term rentals across the U.S. for people living with spinal muscular atrophy (搜索) (SMA).
Less than 1% of all U.S. housing is accessible to wheelchair users, and most private short-term rentals are not required to meet ADA standards, creating significant travel barriers for the SMA community.
Becoming rentABLE (搜索)'s verification process offers up to 63 accessibility filters, evaluating features such as step-free entrances, accessible doors 32 inches or wider, and step-free access to living areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Novartis and Becoming rentABLE (搜索) announced a new collaboration on June 24, 2026, aimed at addressing a significant unmet need for people living with spinal muscular atrophy (搜索) (SMA): accessible travel and accommodations. The partnership, part of the "SMAshing My Limits And Going Places" campaign, will add approximately 100 new verified accessible short-term rentals (STRs) across the United States to the Becoming rentABLE network.
The initiative targets a stark reality: less than 1% of all U.S. housing is accessible to wheelchair users, and out of the 1.5 million STRs available nationwide at any given time, few are accessible to wheelchair users, with many lacking the full spectrum of features and amenities needed for the SMA community.
The Unmet Need in SMA Travel
SMA is a rare, genetic neuromuscular disease that, when left untreated, can cause progressive muscle weakness, impacting breathing, swallowing, and basic movement. As a result, people living with SMA often face physical, emotional, and social challenges that may make everyday milestones feel out of reach. An estimated 9,000 to 9,500 individuals with SMA are currently living in the U.S.
Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mainly applies to commercial facilities, most private STRs are not required to meet its standards. Consequently, many people with SMA face uncertainty when traveling, often not knowing how accessible a location truly is until they arrive.
"I've traveled to over 50 countries with SMA and the search for truly accessible accommodations can still be one of the hardest parts of any trip," said Cory Lee, SMA patient advocate. "Arriving at a property that doesn't deliver or has an inaccurate description is more than disappointing; it can create safety risks or take an emotional toll. Being able to book an experience and trust it will meet your needs – that kind of freedom changes everything."
Becoming rentABLE (搜索)'s Verification Approach
Becoming rentABLE (搜索)'s verification process goes well beyond basic ADA compliance, offering up to 63 accessibility filters that allow travelers to review the specific features they need. The most requested, yet often overlooked, features evaluated include accessible parking and a clear path to the entrance door; step-free, one step, or ramp at the entrance door; exterior and interior accessible doors 32 inches or wider; and step-free access to the living area, bathroom, and bedroom.
"Our collaboration with Novartis' SMAshing My Limits redefined how we think about accessible short-term rentals. It's about expanding tailored options for the SMA community that meet their needs and their sense of adventure," said Lorraine Woodward, CEO of Becoming rentABLE (搜索). "A treehouse with a zero-entry door or a beachfront cottage with wheelchair-level features aren't luxuries – they're how we ensure people living with SMA can have a full, meaningful travel experience."
Campaign Origins and Vision
The "SMAshing My Limits And Going Places" initiative extends the "SMAshing My Limits" campaign, which launched in 2025 to celebrate triumphs, accomplishments, and wins – big or small – to help those impacted by SMA feel more independent and supported along their journey. Many of the newly added properties will be experience-based, including treehouses, yurts, cabins, locations near state parks, and accessible beachfronts.
"Through education, trusted verification, and a community that understands true accessibility, SMAshing My Limits aims to help make it easier for people of all abilities to find the right accommodations – spaces that meet real needs, not just in theory, but in everyday practice," said Tracey Dawson, SVP, US Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Novartis.
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Becoming rentABLE (搜索) is the leading online directory for accessible short-term rental properties and resources across North America. The platform offers verified properties with features designed for mobility, cognitive, and age-related accessibility needs.