Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!

Beach-Friendly Wheelchairs Will Make It Easier for People with Disabilities to Enjoy N.H. Shore

Jason Moon/NHPR
Lotte Diomede unveils N.H.'s new beach friendly wheelchairs at Hampton Beach Thursday alongside Governor Chris Sununu.

This summer, beach-friendly wheelchairs will be available for free at several New Hampshire beaches.

If you have a disability – going to the beach isn’t always easy. It’s hard to trek through the heavy sand and then enjoy the water safely.

Specialty designed beach friendly wheelchairs, which have ATV-like wheels and floats for once you’re in the water, cost around $2,000 apiece.

Lotte Diomede co-founded SMILE Mass. The non-profit group has donated five chairs to the state.   

“Accessibility should be a need that is met by every single person out there," Diomede said. "What that means for people with disabilities means that they can do the same thing that you and I take for granted – such as a beach trip.”

These chairs are available for use at Hampton Beach and state parks in Wellington and Mount Sunapee. But for places where these chairs aren't available, people can borrow one by contacting SMILE Mass at info@smilemass.org.

Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.