Millions of Americans visit the beach every year to feel the beaming rays of sunlight hit their skin and make ever-lasting memories with loved ones. But some Americans don’t get that privilege. People with disabilities do not have the same accessibility to beaches across the United States. Although some counties have made strides to be more inclusive by adding vinyl mats on the sand, the path to achieving fully accessible beach days won’t be an option until we take action. The Momentum Refresh team paid a visit to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, CA to assess how the people of Momentum can enjoy their time.
“What we found is that the beaches aren’t as accessible as what they, a lot of the time, claim to be. We are trying to find ways to make beaches more accessible for people with disabilities. We found that the bathrooms, while ADA compliant, are not truly accessible which is why we bring out the Refresh truck,” Momentum Refresh General Manager, Arin Wilhem says.
Momentum Refresh is a vehicle that serves as a solution to the absence of accessible bathrooms in public places like concerts, parks, beaches, and more. It’s an option we hope the world will adopt someday, but even with this solution, it’s important that our communities understand the vital need for convenient access.
“Just getting from the parking lot to the sidewalk to be able to sit and watch from a distance is a challenge because there’s not even a ramp,” Momentum Refresh Business Manager, Qumi Kimble, said.
Despite its lack of accessibility, the Momentum Refresh team and the people of Momentum made the best out of their beach day! Check out the photos to see them catch the waves!
Momentum will continue to check out the various beaches and common places in our community to discover how Momentum Refresh can be used as a resource, and they will continue to push for a more inclusive and accessible society.