WILMINGTON, MA — Last week, Wilmington officially introduced a floating beach wheelchair to Silver Lake in collaboration with SMILE Mass and through the efforts of the Recreation Department and the Commission on Disabilities.
Watch the short ceremony from Wilmington Community Television:
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.”
Wilmington officials 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.
“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.”
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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