In The Media | 18 January 2016

Life’s finally a beach for people with disabilities

What are the quintessential elements of summer? Sand, sea breezes and a dip in the ocean, perhaps.

But what if you can’t get near the water, or scream in terror when you do?

Australia’s rolling beaches and national parks might hold a special place in the national psyche, but have been inaccessible to people with disabilities for many years.

Now an increasing number of Victorian councils and communities are making changes – often minor and inexpensive – so the state’s most beautiful places can be enjoyed by more people

These include beach wheelchairs (large tires to get through soft sand), all-terrain wheelchairs for bushwalking, and beach matting (which creates a path to the water).

And then there are programs like the Starfish Nippers, a life-saving skills program for children with special needs, or the disabled surfing program on offer in Ocean Grove, which encourage confidence outdoors.

 

Source: The Age