Summer is in full swing. Here on Long Island, we are blessed to have more than 100 public beaches. Each of them has distinct characteristics and amenities. Over time, more beaches have become more accessible to people with mobility challenges. Many beaches now have “mobi mats” (mobility mats) that make it easier for wheelchairs and baby-carriages to cross the sand and get closer to the water. Many beaches offer “beach wheelchairs” that can be borrowed to make the beaches more accessible to wheelchair users. Most beaches have accessible restrooms. Remember, not all beaches are created equal when it comes to people with mobility limitations and wheelchair access. Doing some research before you start out will definitely help make your beach visit more enjoyable.
How can you find out about the amenities a beach has? It’s always a good idea to go to a venue’s website to see what they have to offer. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find that information. Some websites, (ex: Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Long Beach), have a great deal of information for people with mobility limitations. Others do not. We encourage you to visit www.destinationaccessible.org, to see if a beach you are interested in is on our site.
Suppose you are unable to find the information you want. It is always possible to call the park office and ask specific questions. Be sure to call well in advance, as you may not get someone who has the answers on your first call.
Here are some suggestions we hope will help you find the right beach for you to have the best beach experience possible.
1. Find out where the best accessible parking is.
• Some accessible parking may be closer to ramps, boardwalk and the beach itself.
2. Boardwalks
• Know that boardwalks usually have benches, some more than others, some with backs, some not.
3. ACCESSMATs
• Find out where they are. They may be at one end or the other.
• Depending on the width of the beach, a ACCESSMAT may not go as far as you wish.
• We have been told that they are not allowed to be placed any closer than the high-water line in the sand.
4. Beach wheelchairs
• Beach Wheelchairs do not have to be used only by those who always use a wheelchair. You might consider a beach wheelchair for someone who has difficulty walking and would like to get closer to the water, perhaps someone who could never consider walking any distance in the sand.
• Inquire at the venue you are thinking about, where you have to go to secure one. At some beaches it is the lifeguard station, at some it is the park office, at some it is the first aid office.
• Be sure to find out what the policy is -what kind of ID do you need to borrow one - how long you can keep it, etc.
• You may be able to rent one. We contacted many places here on Long Island, but were unable to find any that rent them.
• www.cloudofgoods.com, is an online operation that seems to have beach wheelchairs available to rent. We are unable to give you any further details. You will have to contact them yourself.
• If you are headed south, along the eastern shore, from southern New Jersey to Florida, we did find out that your chances of renting a beach wheelchair are much greater. You can check online for the area you are thinking of visiting and will find places for rentals. Again, we cannot give you specifics, but we are pretty sure they exist.
5. Beach walkers
• We never knew that there is such a thing as a beach walker. Apparently they do exist. You can try renting one from www.cloudofgoods.com. We are not sure if they rent them.
• Conversion kits - Apparently there are “conversion kits” for both wheelchairs and walkers, that allow you to convert standard wheelchairs and walkers into beach wheelchairs and beach walkers.
• Visit www.wheeleez.com, to find out more about this possibility.
6. Restrooms
• Although our experience is that most restrooms have accessible stalls, accessible sinks and baby-changing facilities, it would be wise to ask when you call.
7. Food Services
• Most larger venues offer food services of some type.
Wouldn’t it be nice if all beaches were accessible to all? I must admit that I do not know where I found this so I am unable to give credit, but it is worth repeating so that perhaps those making the decisions about our beaches will see it.
“The Perfect Beach”
The perfect beach would have concrete walkways from several access points that go almost to the water’s edge. At the end would be a slab so some could sit and enjoy being there, even if they don’t have a beach wheelchair.
Hoping you have the best summer you can!
