Open Doors Organization
Open Doors Organization enhances accessibility in transportation and tourism for individuals with disabilities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersRosamond, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Open Doors Organization does
Open Doors Organization (ODO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2000 and headquartered in Illinois that provides disability accessibility training, consulting, and research to the travel, transportation, and hospitality industries. Its client base spans airlines, airports, cruise lines, railroads, rideshare companies, and hotel operators across the US and selected international markets including the Caribbean. Core offerings include the Service Animal Forms Portal (SAFP), a web-based platform launched in 2021 that processes DOT service animal documentation between travelers and participating airlines (JetBlue, British Airways, Alaska, Sun Country, Allegiant); a portfolio of regulated training programs (CRO, Stowage, DOT Hands-On, General Awareness, Motorcoach, Rideshare) delivered in-person and through a Reach360-powered eLearning portal; accessibility consulting for airport design and ADA compliance; and the biennial Universal Access in Aviation (UAIA) conference running since 2006.
The organization's revenue mechanics are diversified across fee-for-service training (priced at $50–$1,000 per person depending on program), per-report market study sales ($400–$500), conference registration ($600) and sponsorship, consulting fees for major projects such as the multi-year Memphis International Airport Terminal Modernization, and recurring participation fees from SAFP airline partners. Go-to-market is primarily enterprise field sales into airlines, airports, and hospitality companies, supplemented by direct-to-consumer resources (Easy Access city guides, accessible travel agent referrals) and earned media through IATA, ACI, TRB/ACRP, and AAAE working group participation.
ODO's competitive positioning rests on 25+ years of specialized content, regulatory expertise in ACAA Part 382 and ADA, five longitudinal nationwide disability travel market studies (latest conducted by The Harris Poll in 2024), and a staff composition that includes professionals with disabilities providing lived-experience perspective. The organization operates with 1–10 employees and is led by founder and Executive Director Eric Lipp, with no external investors, parent company, or disclosed financial statements.
Open Doors Organization firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Open Doors Organization
- Legal name
- Open Doors Organization
- Website
- https://opendoorsnfp.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Open Doors Organization enhances accessibility in transportation and tourism for individuals with disabilities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Open Doors Organization industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Accessibility Training and Consulting
- NAICS
- Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Human Rights Organizations (813311)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accessible (ADA) & Special-Needs Group Charters (THAIAIAK)
Keywords
Where Open Doors Organization is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rosamond
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Open Doors Organization business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Training Services: Provides disability awareness and accessibility training programs to airlines, airports, ground transportation companies, and hospitality organizations. Includes CRO training, stowage training, driver training, and general awareness training. Revenue generated through per-person training fees and train-the-trainer program licensing.
- Consulting Services: Accessibility consulting for design and construction projects, ADA compliance reviews, policy development, and strategic planning. Works with airports, transportation facilities, and hospitality businesses on universal design implementation.
- Market Studies: Produces and sells nationwide research studies on travel patterns and spending of Americans with disabilities. Sells reports to corporations ($500), government/non-profits ($400).
- Service Animal Forms Portal: Free portal for travelers; airlines bear cost of participation. ODO partners with airlines (JetBlue, British Airways, Alaska, Sun Country, Allegiant) to process service animal documentation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | CRO Initial Training - In-person or Virtual |
| Subscription | Annual | CRO Refresh Training |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Aviation Disability Awareness Training |
| Other | Multi-year contract | DOT Hands-On Training |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 2024 Market Study - Corporate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 2024 Market Study - Government/Non-Profit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | UAIA Conference Registration |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Stowage Training |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Open Doors Organization product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Open Doors Organization is a nonprofit that provides disability accessibility training, consulting, and research to the travel, transportation, and hospitality industries. Its core deliverables include specialized training programs (CRO, Stowage, DOT Hands-On, General Awareness, Motorcoach, Rideshare), the Service Animal Forms Portal for managing DOT service animal documentation across multiple airlines, accessibility consulting for airports and cruise lines, and nationwide market studies on disability travel spending and behavior.
Product overview
Open Doors Organization (ODO) is a nonprofit organization that has operated since 2000 providing disability accessibility services primarily in the travel, transportation, and hospitality industries. The organization's offerings include the Service Animal Forms Portal (SAFP) - a core web-based platform for managing DOT service animal forms with participating airlines; comprehensive training programs including CRO Training, Stowage Training, DOT Hands-On Training, General Disability Awareness Training, Motorcoach Training, and Rideshare Training; Website Accessibility and Reservation Compliance Services for hospitality providers; Accessibility Consulting services; and the Universal Access in Aviation (UAIA) Conference held biennially. Additional offerings include Market Studies on disability travel patterns, Easy Access city guides, and the Z Life community program. ODO operates across aviation, cruise, rail, transportation, and hospitality sectors with consulting, training, and research as the primary service delivery mechanisms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Service Animal Forms Portal (SAFP) Web-based portal where travelers with disabilities can create, submit, and manage DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Forms, receive Service Animal ID Numbers, submit travel notifications to participating airlines (JetBlue, British Airways, Alaska, Sun Country, Allegiant), and track form status.
- Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) Training Comprehensive training program for airline staff to become CROs, covering Part 382 requirements, disability awareness, and problem resolution. Available in-person, virtual, and train-the-trainer formats.
- Stowage Training Specialized training workshops for airline ramp crews on proper handling and stowage of mobility devices (wheelchairs, scooters) to reduce damage incidents. Delivered in partnership with Global Repair Group since 2010.
- DOT Hands-On Training One-day in-person training course for airline frontline employees covering hands-on assistance techniques for travelers with disabilities, including wheelchair handling, transfers, and safe assistance practices aligned with ACAA CFR 14 Part 382.141(a). Includes train-the-trainer option.
- Online Aviation Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Training Self-paced, interactive online course covering appropriate language and assistance techniques for travelers with disabilities, including review of ACAA Part 382 requirements, delivered via a dedicated training portal ($50 per person, group discounts available).
- General Disability Awareness and Accessibility Training 3-hour classroom training for airport personnel covering appropriate language, customer service skills, and assistance techniques for travelers with various disabilities including guiding travelers with vision loss.
- Motorcoach Training Full-day training program for intercity and charter/tour bus operators to help companies meet ADA requirements and provide optimal service to passengers with disabilities, including a 2-hour refresh training option.
- Rideshare Training Disability awareness training for Uber and Lyft drivers covering UberAssist and UberAccess programs, including handling mobility devices, guiding passengers with vision loss, and wheelchair securement.
- Accessibility Consulting Consulting services for businesses and organizations to create accessible, inclusive experiences, covering regulatory compliance, disability etiquette, inclusive communication, customer experience, and universal design principles across airports, transportation facilities, and hospitality businesses.
- Website Accessibility and Reservation Compliance Services Three-tiered service (Basic, Premium, World-Class) helping hospitality providers meet ADA reservation requirements and create accessible online booking experiences for mobility and hearing-accessible rooms.
- Market Studies Nationwide market research studies on travel patterns and spending of American adults with disabilities, conducted since 2002 with five editions. The 2024 study was conducted by The Harris Poll among 1,108 adults with disabilities; sold to corporations ($500) and government/non-profits ($400).
- Universal Access in Aviation (UAIA) Conference
- Easy Access Guides Award-winning guides for cities (Chicago, Springfield) providing on-site accessibility evaluations of attractions, travel tips, and detailed information on accessible transportation and lodging options.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly $50 billion in travel spending by travelers with disabilities over 2-year period
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Open Doors Organization
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Open Doors Organization technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Open Doors Organization partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, strategic and minor.
- Uber TechnologiescoreDevelopment of UberAssist and UberAccess programs since 2014; created training videos and conducted classroom training; ongoing collaboration on accessibility improvements
- JetBluecoreService Animal Forms Portal partner; CRO training participant; collaborative engagement in disability accessibility initiatives
- British AirwayscoreService Animal Forms Portal partner; collaborative work on accessibility standards
- Alaska Air GroupcoreService Animal Forms Portal partner; co-host of UAIA 2024 conference; CRO training participant
- Sun Country AirlinescoreService Animal Forms Portal partner for processing service animal documentation
- Allegiant AircoreService Animal Forms Portal partner
- Global Repair GroupcorePartnership since 2010 for stowage training program; jointly delivers specialized training workshops for airline ramp crews globally
- AlliiancemajorLead architecture firm for MEM Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program; ODO provides accessibility expertise from preliminary design process
- UrbanARCH AssociatesmajorArchitecture partner for MEM Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program
- GoodMapsstrategicCollaboration on wayfinding app development for Sound Transit light rail system; user testing participation; pilot launch at Seattle stations
- LyftcoreDisability awareness training and program development support; workgroup participation
- Port of SeattlemajorCo-host of UAIA 2024 conference with Alaska Airlines
- Airports Council International (ACI)strategicCollaboration on 3-day accessibility workshops for aviation executives; industry advocacy partnership
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)strategicParticipation in accessibility work groups; industry standards development
- United Motorcoach Association (UMA)strategicPartnership since 2012 for motorcoach training program; launch of day-long training for intercity and charter/tour bus operators
- Transportation Research Board (TRB)strategicACRP research program participation; contributed to multiple research reports on airport accessibility; current projects ACRP 07-22, 07-23, 10-37
- American AirlinesmajorSponsor; partner in disability accessibility initiatives
- United AirlinesmajorSponsor; presenting sponsor for Z Life Program Beyond the Waters Beach Party; partner
- Marriott HotelsmajorHospitality partner
- Hilton HotelsmajorHospitality partner (Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites Hotels)
- Royal Caribbean InternationalstrategicSafety training videos; ongoing accessibility consulting; Eric Lipp serves on Access Advisory Board
- Celebrity CruisesstrategicShip accessibility inspections; staff training support; worked on Century, Millennium, and Solstice class vessels
- Norwegian Cruise LinestrategicTwo staff training videos for frontline staff; training videos still in use by NCL
- AmtrakcoreADA customer service training for approximately 8,000 frontline employees across 17 cities; ongoing training program
- Dominican Republic Tourism BoardstrategicConsulting on accessibility improvements for tourism industry; site evaluations of hotels and shore excursions; new airport advisory for Arajet
- Dominica Tourism AuthoritystrategicWorking with Dominica tourism industry to implement universal design changes despite volcanic terrain challenges
- ArajetminorConsulted on accessibility of new airports in Dominican Republic
- Sound TransitstrategicWayfinding app development for light rail system; GoodMaps integration; full deployment started 2024
- Metrolinkstrategic75 Metrolink conductors participating in Training for Access classes; accessibility improvements to stations
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Open Doors Organization competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- TravelAbility: TravelAbility is the most directly comparable peer: a nonprofit focused on advancing accessible travel and tourism for people with disabilities. Like ODO, it engages the travel industry through conferences, training, and research, targeting airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and destinations.
- Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH): SATH is a long-standing nonprofit advocating for accessible travel worldwide, offering training resources and conferences for travel industry professionals serving travelers with disabilities—directly overlapping ODO's mission and customer base.
- Mobility International USA (MIUSA): MIUSA is a disability-led nonprofit advancing disability rights and inclusion through international exchange, training programs, and consulting—overlapping with ODO's training/consulting model for the disability community.
- National Center on Accessibility: National Center on Accessibility at Indiana University focuses on accessibility in recreation, parks, and built environments—including transportation facilities—providing training and consulting that overlaps with ODO's transportation accessibility work.
Broad incumbents
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): AAPD is a larger, broader disability advocacy nonprofit operating across all sectors (employment, voting, technology, transportation). While it covers transportation policy, it competes for donor dollars and policy attention that might otherwise flow to ODO's narrower focus.
- United Spinal Association: United Spinal Association is a national disability advocacy organization serving wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries, with programs touching accessible travel and transportation. It is a broader advocacy incumbent with overlapping constituency interests.
- The Arc: The Arc is the largest national disability advocacy organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While broader in scope, it competes for charitable donations and policy attention relevant to disability travel and accessibility training.
Emerging players
- ADA National Network: Federally funded ADA National Network provides free ADA training and technical assistance across 10 regions—including transportation and hospitality. It competes with ODO on free training delivery, although ODO's aviation-specific DOT expertise and portal are differentiators.
Others
- Disability Rights Advocates (DRA): DRA is a national disability rights legal center pursuing high-impact litigation and policy advocacy. While not a direct training competitor, it shapes ADA/ACAA enforcement that drives demand for ODO's compliance services—making it an adjacent ecosystem participant.
Regional players
- Lighthouse Guild: Lighthouse Guild provides services and advocacy for people with vision loss, including some travel and accessibility training programs. It is a partial-overlap peer serving a specific disability segment rather than the full accessibility umbrella that ODO addresses.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Open Doors Organization social profiles
Digital presenceOpen Doors Organization financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Open Doors Organization leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Open Doors Organization funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Open Doors Organization M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Open Doors Organization
What does Open Doors Organization do?
Open Doors Organization is a nonprofit that provides disability accessibility training, consulting, and research to the travel, transportation, and hospitality industries. Its core deliverables include specialized training programs (CRO, Stowage, DOT Hands-On, General Awareness, Motorcoach, Rideshare), the Service Animal Forms Portal for managing DOT service animal documentation across multiple airlines, accessibility consulting for airports and cruise lines, and nationwide market studies on disability travel spending and behavior.
Is Open Doors Organization a public or private company?
Open Doors Organization is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Open Doors Organization founded?
Open Doors Organization was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Open Doors Organization based?
Open Doors Organization is headquartered in Rosamond, United States, in the North America region.
How does Open Doors Organization make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Training Services are the primary driver. The others are consulting Services, market Studies and service Animal Forms Portal.
Who are Open Doors Organization's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are TravelAbility, Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH), Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and National Center on Accessibility. Broad incumbents are American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), United Spinal Association and The Arc. ADA National Network is listed as an emerging player. Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is listed as an others. Lighthouse Guild is listed as a regional player.
Does Open Doors Organization have an API?
No public API is recorded for Open Doors Organization.
What industry is Open Doors Organization in?
Open Doors Organization's product category is Disability Accessibility Training and Consulting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAIAIAK, Accessible (ADA) & Special-Needs Group Charters. Its NAICS code is 813 and its SIC code is 8300.