Australia is home to just under 12,000 recorded beaches and 85 percent of us live within 50km of the coast. Of those, only a small fraction, estimated to be less than 200 – or less than 2 percent – are beaches that offer accessibility options for those living with disability or limited mobility. That’s the bad news. 

The good news is that thanks to the tireless campaigning of a select few advocates, there are a number of changes occurring in both the public and private sector. It means that number should soon have the physical and social barriers removed to make more beaches accessible to everyone.

Among the changes is a promise made in February by the Federal Government, in partnership with the states and territories, to commit more than $17 million to increase the accessibility of community spaces across Australia. 

The fund includes money to be set aside for all-terrain or beach wheelchairs, and accessible baths or beach matting.

In addition, websites and apps such as those provided by Accessible Beaches Australia, Beachsafe from Surf Life Saving Australia and the Accessible Australia app from Accessible Australia also make it easier to identify inclusive and accessible beaches for those living with disability. 

The private sector is also recognising the demand for such initiatives and is doing its bit to ensure fairer access for all.

Push Mobility, where the vast majority of staff live with disability themselves, offers everything from floating beach wheelchairs and beach access matting to adaptive surfboards and sit down paddle boards in its efforts to lessen the barriers to allowing those with disabilities to have fun on the sand and in the water.

The company also works with experts, industry partners and health care workers to deliver regular education days.

Another initiative gaining momentum in this space is the recent launch of a emote-controlled folding ramp that offers ready access to the sea and beach for people with restricted mobility.

The portable device can be placed next to the shoreline and has a 10-metre-long motorised ramp that transports the user into the ocean. The attached controls allow the user to determine when they enter the water.

The concept was brought to Australia after SeaAccess Australia co-founder Mario Vella saw its success in Greece. 
Speaking to the ABC, Vella said the best thing about the ramp is that it is autonomous, allowing the person in the chair to be in full control of how it operates.

“One of the things that's really helpful [with the ramp] is that you're able to just sit on the chair and then float off rather than having to stabilise the chair yourself and then try and get in the water,” he says.

According to the ABC, the company has approached local councils across Brisbane and Sydney and are having ongoing discussions about implementing the ramp at their local beaches. 

No matter what level of accessibility your local beach has, Just Better Care has a team of local experienced Support Workers able to assist you in living the life you deserve. Find out more at justbettercare.com.