Uphill challenge as beach users with disabilities call on governments for equal access to Australia's coast
1 year ago

Uphill challenge as beach users with disabilities call on governments for equal access to Australia's coast

ABC  

Sun, sand, the lure of water, and waves that carry you weightless to the shore. The beach is an idyllic escape for some, but Shane Hryhorec says it can make others feel "locked out of life". "Like with Bondi Beach, they've got beach matting and beach wheelchairs, but it's not easily accessible and if you ever go to Bondi beach, you'll see their matting is never out." "The only reason we surf is because a boat ramp, it's not like the council did anything to make it accessible," Munk said. Wide clear pathway Accessible bathrooms or change facilities Accessible bathrooms or change facilities Beach matting to the water's edge Beach wheelchairs Compliant ramps with good gradients Access to shade and fresh water Accessible by public transport Food outlets nearby After losing his leg at 16, the water became Mr Stewart's solace.

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History of this topic

Introducing Australia’s new wave of accessible beaches
1 year, 3 months ago

Introducing Australia’s new wave of accessible beaches

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “But there are some councils – maybe a third to a half of them – that are doing an amazing …

Sydney's best beaches, beyond Bondi
1 year, 7 months ago

Sydney's best beaches, beyond Bondi

BBC  

Sydney's best beaches, by Bondi lifeguard Bruce "Hoppo" Hopkins Elias/Getty Images From family-friendly Bronte to Palm Beach from Home and Away, one of the world's best-known lifeguards shares his favourite places to go, beyond Bondi. Australia is renowned for its endless coastlines and pristine beaches, and nowhere is more famous than Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs. That one's quite …

Disability beach access improvement welcomed in regional Queensland, but still a long way to go
3 years, 2 months ago

Disability beach access improvement welcomed in regional Queensland, but still a long way to go

ABC  

When Mila suffered a stroke 12 months ago, she thought she would never touch the sand and water again. The central Queensland grandmother loves the ocean as "it's very important" and she feels "power from the water", but her recent mobility issues made reaching the water's edge almost impossible. "I live with disability, I find it very challenging when you …

People with disability find greater access to Australian beaches with the help of national program
3 years, 9 months ago

People with disability find greater access to Australian beaches with the help of national program

ABC  

For years, Kate Thomas had been dreaming about going in the ocean on her visits to Sydney. "Growing up I used to go to the Randwick Children's Hospital and as a treat, we'd go down to Coogee beach," she said. He has since joined and become chair of Accessible Beaches Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that helps surf lifesaving clubs and …

Better beach access on horizon for people with disability, mobility limitations
3 years, 11 months ago

Better beach access on horizon for people with disability, mobility limitations

ABC  

Bundaberg woman Krystal Perger barely remembers the sensation of sand between her toes and swimming in the ocean. Key points: Uneven surfaces, sand and water make it difficult for people with disability and mobility issues to access the beach CQ University is working to make more beaches accessible The university is currently researching the experiences of people with wheelchairs The …

Wheelchair users get first taste of ocean waves with help of special mats
8 years, 1 month ago

Wheelchair users get first taste of ocean waves with help of special mats

ABC  

Several wheelchair users have taken their first dips in the ocean at Adelaide's Henley Beach where a special, accessible mat was rolled out to the water's edge. Shane Hryhorec, from Accessible Beaches Australia, said it was a relatively simple idea that could make a big difference to people's lives. About 400 people were expected at Henley Beach today for the …

Mats rolled out to give people with disabilities access to Seacliff Beach in Adelaide's south
9 years, 1 month ago

Mats rolled out to give people with disabilities access to Seacliff Beach in Adelaide's south

ABC  

People with disabilities will now be able to reach the water's edge at Seacliff Beach thanks to a specially designed plastic mat — a first in South Australia. "Personally for me it's actually quite emotional to see our community was able to do this and to give people like Charlie an opportunity to get to the water's edge is hugely …

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