Throughout my life, I have always been drawn to the ocean. There's something truly magical about witnessing the rhythmic dance of the waves and breathing in the salty air. However, the reality is that beaches often present significant accessibility challenges for me.
I have used a power wheelchair since the age of four, and the prospect of actually entering the sea has always seemed like an insurmountable hurdle. Simply getting onto the sand can be a huge, and oftentimes impossible, ordeal unless a specialised beach wheelchair is available. In fact, before this year, I had only been in the sea twice in the past 30 years.
But then, I discovered the Seatrac system in Greece . Intrigued by its potential to revolutionise beach accessibility, I felt a renewed sense of hope that perhaps this technology could finally unlock the freedom of the sea for me and other wheelchair users. Seatrac is an innovative system designed to empower people with disabilities to independently access the water.
The process is remarkably simple: you transfer from your wheelchair to the Seatrac seat, press a button on a remote control, and the system gently lowers you into the sea. This groundbreaking technology eliminates the reliance on others for assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy and liberation that is invaluable. The prospect of experiencing this newfound independence was a major factor in my decision to visit Greece this past summer.
Every year, I organise Curb Free Group Trips, inviting my f.
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