It’s not just about swimming. It’s the smell of salt in the air, the crunch of hot chips and the feel of sand between your toes or wheels. It’s about freedom.
For Leah Williams and her family, the beach is more than a destination. It’s their reset button. “It’s our happy place, ” she says. “The kids run wild, splash and dig. I get a moment to breathe. There’s no pressure to behave in a certain way. Almost anything goes!”
But like many families with access needs, a beach day for Leah takes planning. And the good news is she’s finding that from accessible parking to surf-friendly wheelchairs, there’s growing support to make beaches more accessible for everyone.
We teamed up with Leah to create this Can-do Guide full of practical tips to help take the stress out of going to the beach.
Leah is a mum of three and recently moved from Sydney to the NSW Central Coast.
“We live five minutes from the beach now. It’s the best! “ she says. “It’s slower here, quieter. You can usually get a park right out the front. “
Her young son processes the world a little differently, so sensory needs are something they always keep in mind when planning outings. “The beach can feel like a mission when you’ve got a neurodivergent child and a few little ones in tow, “ says Leah. “Sandy paths, loud crowds, unpredictable waves – it can get a bit much! “
But Leah doesn’t let that stop her getting the family out to the beach. To make it doable, she has a simple rule: never go it alone.
“We always have two adults when all three kids are coming. When we bring along a support worker it takes the pressure off and helps the whole family have a better time, especially if it’s just me solo-parenting that day,” she shares.
Regardless of if your needs are related to mobility, access or sensory regulation, some extra support can go a long way.
There are many great online resources to help you before heading to a new beach. For example, Accessible Beaches Australia has a detailed directory of beaches.
Other suggestions for planning your beach visit:
The National Public Toilet Map lists accessible toilet facilities and has a mobile app.
“Even 45 minutes of wave-jumping or exploring rock pools is enough of an outing, “ says Leah. “You don’t have to stay all day. “
“A support worker is invaluable in helping juggle safety aspects, sensory needs and sandwiches! A well-stocked snack bag also solves a lot of problems. ”
“For us, calm is key. Fewer crowds mean less stress and more space to enjoy ourselves. “
A decade ago, accessible beaches were rare. Today, they’re becoming more common thanks to advocates and families like Leah’s who speak up.
If your favourite beach isn’t accessible, contact the local council and ask what can be done. Every bit of feedback helps improve access for the next person too.
Enjoy your next beach day with the support of an independent support worker on Mable.
Mable’s Can-do Guides are created in collaboration with people with disabilities. Content in these guides is general in nature, based on the experience of those interviewed, and may not be applicable to all.
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