Every time a space is adapted to the needs of different populations, it creates a more accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
With that in mind, access for people with disabilities was expanded at the El Escambrón public beach in San Juan, in late June.
The beach originally had only three amphibious chairs to help people reach the water. Even so, an access gap remained. The texture of sandy ground makes it difficult for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices to enjoy the beach.
For that reason, specialized blue mats have been installed at various locations across Puerto Rico, with the goal of creating a stable path that gives anyone free and easier access to the water.
One of the best-known brands of specialized mats is Mobi-Mats, which has mats in the United States, Canada and Brazil. In Puerto Rico, the organization P'al Agua has worked with 4 municipalities in the archipelago to install Mobi-Mats.
El Escambrón public beach has thus joined the ranks of the most accessible beaches in Puerto Rico, a result achieved through the Olas para Todos initiative.
The project aims to expand beach access for people with disabilities.
With funding of $46,000, drawn from the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and general funds, four additional chairs, six specialized mats and two carts for moving the mats were purchased.
Having multiple mats allows more people to use the equipment at the same time.
When people with disabilities engage in outdoor activities, it tends to have positive health benefits. According to a 2017 study, some of the benefits of these activities for people with limited mobility include the following:
improved strength and endurance
relaxation
pain relief
improved cognition
empowerment
improved self-esteem
a sense of positive social integration.
Origin of the initiative
Aware of the access challenges faced by people with disabilities, young Dialy B. Marrero Ortiz proposed the idea to the municipality's Department of Community Social Development.
Dialy B. Marrero Ortiz collaborated with Olas Para Todos as part of her Gold Award project, the most prestigious distinction a Girl Scout can earn.
Photo: Provided.
As part of the initiative, she helped label accessible areas and educate residents on their proper use. The hope is that the public will use the equipment correctly and treat it with care, given the impact it will have on a significant share of the population.
According to the U.S. Census, 22 percent of Puerto Ricans, nearly 700,000 people, have some type of disability, and the most common is limited mobility, which accounts for 12.6 percent of documented disabilities.
"I want to work on inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities as a matter of the rights people have to enjoy recreational spaces," Marrero Ortiz said.
The project was managed through the Oficina de Servicios a Personas con Impedimento of the Municipality of San Juan, which held an event to inaugurate the initiative on Friday, June 21.
During the event, participants enjoyed water activities and a zumba session, with breakfast and lunch included.
For his part, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero emphasized the value of this kind of initiative from young people.
"I congratulate the young Dialy B. Marrero Ortiz for turning her commitment and concern for the community into action, promoting the identification of resources and assistance so that people with disabilities can fully enjoy natural resources. She is a positive example of our Puerto Rican youth and of everything they can achieve for Puerto Rico," the mayor said.
How to use the new equipment at Escambrón?
If you want to take advantage of this free initiative or invite someone who could benefit from it, follow these steps to plan your beach day:
Plan your visit between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday. No advance reservation is required.
Arrive at the Escambrón parking lot, which has sidewalks and access ramps leading to the shore.
Head toward the beach and locate the lifeguard.
Ask the lifeguard for assistance using one of the beach wheelchairs. You will need to provide an ID, which will be returned when you are done with the chair.
Enter the water with assistance from a family member or friend who is over 18 years old. That person must accompany you at all times while you are in the water.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
