SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist), a nonprofit dedicated to creating accessible recreation for individuals with disabilities, has awarded its 2025 Floating Beach Wheelchair to East & West Beach in New Bedford, MA, enhancing the city’s efforts to make summer recreation more inclusive.
The donation, which will be accepted by Mary Rapoza, Director of New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches, supports a key recreational area that serves a densely populated environmental justice community.
“West Beach has become a symbol of inclusion for our city,” said Rapoza. “This new chair expands access for youth, seniors, and others with mobility impairments, especially with the opening of our fully accessible West Beach Bathhouse this May.”
This marks the second SMILE Mass donation to New Bedford—the first in 2015 has seen high use and community impact. The new chair ensures uninterrupted access to the beach, supported by trained lifeguards and a robust maintenance plan.
“We’re proud to support cities like New Bedford that are taking real steps toward equal access,” said Lotte Diomede, SMILE Mass founder and president. “A beach day should never be out of reach for anyone.”
Since its founding, SMILE Mass has donated over 180 floating beach wheelchairs across New England. These specialized chairs glide across sand and float in water, allowing individuals with disabilities to enjoy the ocean alongside friends and family.
In addition to its beach wheelchair program, SMILE Mass operates a free adaptive equipment loaner program, offering items like portable ramps, jogging strollers, Hoyer lifts, and bath chairs for families to borrow during vacations or everyday outings. In 2024, the organization expanded its impact by acquiring and renovating a fully accessible beach house in Wellfleet, MA, available year-round for families raising children or adults with disabilities.
The organization’s fastest-growing initiative, Club SMILE Mass, provides hybrid gym and swim programs, music therapy, social groups, and job-skills training to individuals with disabilities from childhood through adulthood. The program serves over 100 individuals weekly and is expanding rapidly to meet demand.
To learn more about SMILE Mass programs or to apply for future beach wheelchair donations, visit www.smilemass.org. A full list of participating beaches is available at https://smilemass.org/initiative/beach-wheelchairs/.
About SMILE Mass:
Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE Mass) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps families raising children and adults with disabilities live happy, healthy lives through education, recreation, and vacation experiences. From adaptive equipment lending and inclusive beach access to individualized programs through Club SMILE Mass, the organization is redefining what accessibility looks like across Massachusetts and beyond.
Media Contacts:
Lotte Diomede, President – lotte@smilemass.org – 617-967-7755
Susan Brown, Vice President – susan@smilemass.org – 978-460-7410
Todd Civin, Director of Communications – todd@smilemass.org – 978-502-1453
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