Below is a press release from SMILE (Small Miracles In Life Exist) Mass:
SUDBURY, MA — SMILE Mass recently announced the recipients of the 2026 SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Grant Program, continuing the organization’s mission to create accessible recreation opportunities for individuals and families living with disabilities throughout New England.
This year’s recipients include: Fairlee Town Beach in Fairlee, VT; Silver Lake Beach in Grafton, MA; Morses Pond in Wellesley, MA; Silver Lake in Wilmington, MA; and Musante Beach in Northampton, MA.
Additionally, SMILE Mass will be donating multiple chairs to the Town of Falmouth, funded by a grant from the Falmouth Road Race and one chair to the State of NH as a result of a donation from friends and family members of the late, Mary Houghton.
Since launching the initiative, SMILE Mass has donated more than 180 floating beach wheelchairs to public beaches and ponds across New England, helping individuals with mobility challenges safely enjoy the water alongside family and friends.
“These beach wheelchairs are about so much more than access to the water,” said Lotte Diomede, Founder and President of SMILE Mass. “They create opportunities for inclusion, dignity, independence, and family memories that many families often take for granted. Every community selected this year demonstrated a true commitment to making their public spaces welcoming for everyone.”
Several of the selected communities highlighted the growing need for accessible recreation and the importance of removing barriers for residents and visitors alike.
Officials from Fairlee Town Beach in Fairlee, Vermont emphasized that having a chair is essential to providing “independence, dignity, and the simple joy of enjoying the lake.” The town also noted that breaking the natural “sand barrier” would help ensure all families can safely experience beautiful Lake Morey together.
In Wellesley, Massachusetts, officials from Morses Pond explained that beach attendance continues to increase each year, while their current older-style beach wheelchair no longer fully meets the needs of patrons. The new floating beach wheelchair will help ensure that individuals of all abilities can safely and comfortably participate in beach activities alongside friends and family.
Officials from Musante Beach in Northampton, Massachusetts emphasized the immediate impact the chair would have on equitable access, allowing more residents, seniors, adults, and visitors with mobility challenges to fully participate in summer recreation and enjoy a true “day at the beach.”
Meanwhile, officials from Silver Lake in Wilmington, Massachusetts highlighted how the beach wheelchair will support disabled veterans, children with disabilities, and adults with mobility challenges while complementing the town’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility.
Silver Lake Beach in Grafton, Massachusetts also shared that the floating beach wheelchair aligns with the town’s five-year accessibility master plan and will allow more individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy one of the community’s most valuable natural resources.
“At SMILE Mass, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the simple joys that many families take for granted — feeling the sand, entering the water safely, and creating lifelong memories together,” added Diomede. “These grants are about more than recreation. They are about creating communities where everyone belongs.”
The SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Program continues to grow each year as more communities recognize the importance of inclusive recreation and accessible public spaces. Floating beach wheelchairs are specially designed to travel across sand and float safely in calm water conditions, allowing individuals with disabilities to enjoy beaches, lakes, and ponds with greater freedom and comfort.
“What continues to inspire us most is seeing towns and recreation departments prioritize inclusion in such meaningful ways,” said Diomede. “These communities are sending a powerful message that individuals with disabilities belong everywhere — including at the beach, on the water, and fully included in community life.”
In addition to the floating beach wheelchair initiative, SMILE Mass operates a free adaptive equipment loaner program offering portable ramps, adaptive strollers, Hoyer lifts, bath chairs, and additional equipment for families throughout New England.
Communities interested in applying for future SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair grants can learn more at: SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Grant Application
About SMILE Mass
SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families raising children and adults with disabilities live happy, healthy lives through education, recreation, and vacation experiences. Through programs like Club SMILE Mass, adaptive equipment lending, accessible vacation opportunities, and inclusive recreation initiatives, SMILE Mass continues to break down barriers and create opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
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