NAHANT — Short Beach just became more accessible with the acquisition of a floating beach wheelchair.
The chair, which is the first of its kind in the town, is equipped with flotation devices on both arms, a lifejacket for the passenger donated by Harbormaster Rob Tibbo, and wide, rounded wheels that make it optimal for moving in the sand. It was donated by Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE) Mass, a nonprofit organization that has focused on improving accessibility to fun experiences for people with physical and mental disabilities for the past 15 years.
Residents Dawn and Ed Miles were driving forces behind making the floating wheelchair a reality. The couple made the original request to SMILE in memory of Dawn Miles’ late mother, Beverly English. In addition, Lynda Fields and Emily Potts of the Nahant Preservation Trust were credited with dealing with logistical aspects, such as storage at the Life Saving Station and volunteer operations needed to make the device accessible to those who need it.
“Members of the Miles family, the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and other community members will be volunteering to support the accessibility of the beach wheelchair on an appointment basis,” the American Legion said in a press release.
The Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Tony Barletta, and Fire Chief Austin Antrim were also credited for their collaboration with SMILE to expedite the arrival of the wheelchair.
