On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) will donate floating beach wheelchairs to the towns of Fairfield, Norwalk and Westport, CT at a ceremony taking place at 12 noon at Westport’s Compo Beach Pavilion, 60 Compo Beach Rd., Westport, CT 06880. The public is invited to attend.
SMILE Mass has donated over 130 of the floating beach wheelchairs throughout New England. This will be the first donation to Connecticut. The floatable wheelchairs, which resemble beach recliners, have shock-absorbing wheels that maneuver easily over sandy terrain.
Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe stated, “We are grateful to SMILE Mass for this donation. Along with the newly constructed sidewalks, Mobi-Mats and the ADA compliant restrooms on South Beach, these special wheelchairs will provide access for many who otherwise may not have the opportunity to enjoy one of Westport’s crown jewels.”
“Nothing makes us happier than creating recreational opportunities for disabled children, adults and their families,” says SMILE Mass Co-Founder and President Lotte Diomede. “These chairs allow wheelchair-bound children to float comfortably in the ocean, perhaps for the first time. They also make it possible for non-ambulatory adults to access and enjoy the beach, which is otherwise nearly impossible.”
Founded in 2010 by Sudbury, MA residents Lotte Diomede and Susan Brown, SMILE Mass is dedicated to improving the lives of disabled persons and the people around them. Creating recreational outings without barriers is one of the organization’s prime objectives.
“For families with disabled members, vacations can be complicated, expensive, and frustrating,” says Susan Brown, SMILE Mass co-founder and vice president. “We want to change that. Disabilities and caregiving can be very stressful, and it’s important for all families to take pleasant, relaxing breaks together from time to time.”
In addition to offering easy transport over sand, the beach wheelchairs provide the potential for therapeutic movement in the water. Exercising in a buoyant environment is considered important by those in the rehabilitation profession and pool therapy programs have become standard. Since salt water is more buoyant than fresh water or pool water, individuals who use the beach wheelchairs in the ocean are likely to find more movement possible.
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