Communities and Residents Invited to Apply for Wheelchairs at Local Ponds and Beaches
January 30, 2025 (SUDBURY, Massachusetts) – SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) is expanding its successful Floating Beach Wheelchair Donation Program by inviting communities and residents across New England to apply for a floating beach wheelchair for their local ponds and beaches.
SMILE Mass, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to helping families raising children and adults with disabilities create happy, healthy memories through education, vacation, and recreation experiences.
“There is something special about the beach. No matter your age, a day at the beach always makes life a little easier,” said Lotte Diomede, founder and president of SMILE Mass. “Because it is such a magical place, SMILE Mass wants everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy the beach, regardless of their disability. We believe small moments can create lifelong memories for everyone.”
Through this program, SMILE Mass has already donated over 180 floating beach wheelchairs to public beaches throughout New England, making the coastline more accessible to individuals with disabilities. A list of participating beaches can be found here.
Last year’s Floating Beach Wheelchair grant winners included:
✅ Short Beach (Nahant, MA)
✅ Lake Gardner Beach (Amesbury, MA)
✅ Plum Island Beach (Newburyport, MA)
✅ Standish, ME
✅ Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary Beach (Barnstable, MA)
How to Apply
Due to overwhelming demand, SMILE Mass has launched the SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Awards Program, allowing towns and cities across New England to apply for a floating beach wheelchair. Any community member, organization, or local official may submit an application.
🗓️ Application Deadline: March 31, 2025FOR IMMEDIATE
📢 Award Recipients Notified By: April 30, 2025
About SMILE Mass
Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE Mass) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing accessibility and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. Through its innovative programs—including the Floating Beach Wheelchair Program, Adaptive Equipment Loaner Program, and Accessible Beach House Rental—SMILE Mass helps families enjoy the same recreation, education, and vacation experiences as everyone else.
For more information, visit www.smilemass.org.
Media Contact
📞 Lotte Diomede – President & Founder | lotte@smilemass.org | 617-967-7755
📞 Susan Brown – Vice President & Co-Founder | susan@smilemass.org | 978-460-7410
📞 Todd Civin – Director of Communications | todd@smilemass.org | 978-502-1453
MassBay Community College 
Advocates