Special to the Times-Free Press
It was a perfect day for the beach on Saturday, August 10, as more than 150 people of all abilities came together at Constitution Beach in East Boston for Triangle, Inc.’s annual Beach:Ability Event.
The free event, hosted by Triangle, Inc., a Malden-based organization serving people with disabilities and their families, was made possible by a grant from Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Better Beaches Program in partnership with DCR and supported by DCR’s Universal Access Program. This event aims to highlight the programs and resources that make Massachusetts’ urban beaches welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Triangle ED Coleman Nee and Marilyn demonstrate the
DCR’s Floating Wheelchairs and Mobility Mats.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather for our sixth annual Beach:Ability event in East Boston,” said Coleman Nee, CEO of Triangle, Inc. “It’s a great time for Triangle program participants and for those in our residential homes to enjoy all that our beaches offer. For many event attendees, it is their first opportunity to enjoy a day of fun at the beach. This event wouldn’t be possible without the extraordinary efforts and collaboration from our event partners at DCR’s Universal Access Program and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. We are proud to highlight their year-round efforts to make every day accessible at our public beaches.”
Guests of all abilities were able to enjoy the weather and the beach with the use of floating wheelchairs and mobility mats. BBQ lunch from The Smoke Shop, music, and games were also highlights of the day.
“Access to beaches for people with disabilities was one of the pillars of the Metropolitan Beaches Commission’s “Breaking Barriers” Report in 2023, and we’re so proud that Beach:Ability continues to be a hallmark of the summer season,” said Chris Mancini, Executive Director of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “For the first time, this event has inspired similar programs on other beaches, and DCR has demonstrated their continued commitment to the effort by elevating their disability awareness training for seasonal staff, and investing annually in equipment like chairs and mobility mats.”
To learn more about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the great work they do to restore, protect, and share Boston Harbor, the waterfront, islands, and the region’s public beaches with all Bostonians and the region’s residents, visit their website at www.savetheharbor.org and follow @savetheharbor on social media.
Triangle is a 53-year-old disability services agency that reaches 2,100 people every year in North Shore, Metro North, Greater Boston, South Shore, and Worcester communities. We offer a variety of services to the disability community, including residential services, supported employment and community-based day services, workforce development programs, and empowerment programs that promote self-advocacy, personal safety, and community engagement.