MALDEN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Malden-based nonprofit is making it easier for those with disabilities to enjoy the beach.
Triangle Inc. is an organization that provides equipment such as beach wheelchairs and mobility pads that allow those who wouldn’t usually be able to access the beach to safely enjoy what it offers.
“You understood that the beach wasn’t accessible to you, and we say ‘Yes, it is,’ it’s just a matter of making sure they have the right equipment so they can be at the beach with everyone else,” CEO of Triangle Inc. Rachel Kaprielian said. “The beach and the ocean is for everyone.”
Kaprielian explained how the devices work and how they make enjoying the water much easier for those with disabilities.
“These are flotation devices on either side,” she said. “A person can independently get into this chair, and it goes all the way into the water.”
The nonprofit held their 7th annual all-inclusive Beach:Ability event on August 2, where 150 folks were able to use beach wheelchairs and mobility pads provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program and accessible kayaks provided by Piers Park Sailing. The event consisted of a full day of beach activities that were able to be enjoyed by all.
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The city of Revere will be holding their own accessible beach event for the second year in a row on Aug. 9 from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m., bringing these devices to more bodies of water for more people to use.
“We have inspired the city of Revere,” Kaprielian said. “Revere Beach is going to be involved with a universal access day and they’re going to have a lot of this same equipment for a whole other day for people with accessibility issues.”
Both events were funded by the Better Beaches grant program from Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.
More information regarding Triangle Inc. Can be found here.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.