Isle of Wight town council improves beach accessibility for people with restricted mobility
Ryde Town Council in the Isle of Wight has announced the official opening of its new beach accessibility facilities for visitors to enjoy, regardless of their mobility challenges.
This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy the beautiful five-mile stretch of Ryde beach.
The project was born from heartfelt feedback from wheelchair users who were excluded from enjoying the beach at Ryde.
Recognising the importance of inclusivity, the council embarked on a journey to make its beach accessible to all. With inspiration from beach towns across the country, and considering Ryde’s unique shifting sands, the council decided on a sturdy wooden boardwalk as the best solution.
Partnering with NaShers, a dedicated men’s sheds group from Seaview, the council crafted a bespoke 200-metre boardwalk to improve accessibility to the beach for wheelchair users, people with mobility challenges, and families with pushchairs.
In addition to the boardwalk, the council has introduced a range of equipment to make beach strolls and dips in the sea accessible to everyone. Its collection includes beach and sea wheelchairs, a sand rollator, and equipment provided by the lifeguards, all available free of charge through an online booking system.
A major upgrade accompanying these provisions is the seasonal Changing Places unit located near the existing toilet facilities at Eastern Gardens. It is fully equipped with a ceiling hoist, changing bench, shower, and accessible amenities, this facility ensures that everyone can enjoy their time at the beach comfortably.
Annette Johansson-Steed, Projects Officer at Ryde Town Council commented: “We invite the entire community to celebrate this incredible achievement and enjoy the enhanced accessibility features at Ryde Beach. Together, we are making Ryde a more inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone.”
To mark Changing Places Awareness Day recently, healthcare equipment provider Innova Care Concepts announced that it had reached a major milestone for accessibility in the UK by helping Moto to become the first motorway services provider to install 30 Changing Places toilets.
