Volunteers from the Lifetime Support Authority (LSA) supported South Australians with mobility issues to safely enjoy the beach this summer. estara led this initiative as part of their purpose to support and empower South Australians who live with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities to choose how they live their potential. estara joined forces with volunteers from the LSA and the City of Holdfast Bay to hold 6 Accessible Beach Days.
A day out at the beach is a regular activity for many South Australians but can present significant barriers for those with a disability. The City of Holdfast Bay has already taken steps to improve beach access with the installation of special beach matting for steadier access across the sand at Glenelg Beach. An Accessible Beach Day is a wonderful opportunity to provide some extra support to help everyone enjoy the sea and sand. Along with volunteers on hand to provide support, additional equipment was available for use including Mobi-Chair floating wheelchairs to enter the water and a Sandcruiser wheelchair to enjoy the beach.
These supports made a big difference with one attendee taking the opportunity to go to the beach for the first time in 10 years. Speaking with volunteers, she shared that she didn’t even own a pair of bathers. She was apprehensive about entering the water but with the support of a floating wheelchair and LSA staff to encourage her, she enjoyed the gentle waves, gradually building confidence to venture into deeper waters and feel the water on her body.
LSA volunteer, Kylie Smith, found the experience extremely rewarding. ‘This is a life defining opportunity for people with a disability. It really means a lot to them. I had tears in my eyes hearing their stories and seeing their joy.’
LSA volunteers also provided a familiar face to those Lifetime Support Scheme (LSS) participants in attendance. The Accessible Beach Day helped one LSS participant feel confident enough to leave the floating wheelchair and swim butterfly in the ocean. Kylie Smith, commented on this moment, ‘it was really fulfilling to see him swim freely and to be part of the experience.’
For more information about Accessible Beach Days, please visit the estara website.
