Co‑founders pitch Winnebago mobile accessibility trailer to Revere Commission on Disabilities

Lisa Tulipani, co‑founder of the Winnebago, told the Revere Commission on Disabilities on Sept. 9 that the project is a social enterprise that combines a mobile, two‑room trailer with a research and community engagement program. The Winnebago’s features include a universal restroom with a powered, height‑adjustable changing table rated to 330 pounds, a sensory/respite room, multilingual communication aids (including augmentative and alternative communication and braille/sign panels) and a staff team for on‑site operation and sanitizing.

The presentation, given by Tulipani and co‑founder Maria Riley, summarized the project’s development since winning a $75,000 innovation grant in December 2023 and described how the team plans to measure public‑health and economic impacts when the trailer is deployed at events. “The Winnebago offers dignified toilet options, diverse communication aids, and private space for peace and calm,” Tulipani said. Riley said the team will collect surveys and stories at events to evaluate effects on inclusion and local economic activity.

The presenters described technical and operational details: the trailer is FEMA‑grade and comes with a 20‑year manufacturer’s guarantee, it is registered and insured as a commercial trailer, and it can operate either plugged into shore power within about 50 feet or on battery/generator power. The unit carries a 225‑gallon fresh water tank and a 250‑gallon wastewater tank; the team said waste tanks will be serviced through contracting with local porta‑potty vendors or municipal water departments. Tulipani said the trailer’s hydraulic entry ramp brings the floor level to grade for wheelchair access.

Tulipani and Riley described two business models: rentals for events and, eventually, sales of the packaged product (trailer plus program and research support) to municipalities. They said rental pricing under active consideration would be roughly $3,500–$4,000 for a half‑day (about four to six hours) and would include staffing, sanitizing, and the research/engagement element. The presenters said they are pursuing partnerships (Perkins School for the Blind, adaptive sports providers connected to Mass General) and noted plans to apply for design awards.

Commission members asked detailed operational questions about power, water, waste removal, insurance and registration; Tulipani and Riley said the Winnebago is fully registered and insured and that delivery, set‑up and staffing would be included in rentals. Commissioners also discussed likely Revere event uses — parks and recreation activities, movie nights, the city’s fall festivals and parades — and noted potential need for arrangements with state agencies for use at state parks and beaches.

Tulipani and Riley emphasized the Winnebago’s research component: they plan to survey users and collect qualitative stories to document how accessible amenities influence participation and local economic activity. The presenters said the Winnebago is a prototype and that subsequent iterations will address capacity increases (the current changing table supports 330 pounds; recent state bills discussed during the presentation propose standards at 350 pounds).

Commissioners and attendees suggested possible venues and funding partners, and several offered to share local contacts. No formal action was taken by the commission on the Winnebago presentation; the co‑founders said they will follow up with commission members and provide the draft slide deck by email on request.