July Check In!
July is Disability Pride month, to start off with something fun and light - share your beach tips!
[A gif of Ken from Barbie, walking with a surfboard text reads I JUST WANNA BEACH]
Any way to improve access and enjoyment at the beach with a disability is welcomed! Sand can be tricky with mobility, there's so many sensory inputs and the heat, water and sun can be create challenges..
What are your goals for July?
Is there a topic for disability pride you would like to see? Adult listeners are welcome to PM me, and all can PM @MistyMagic or share here!
How are you doing today?
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@AffyAvo going to the beach is my all time ultimate dream💖
I'm really struggling with the heat I have a brace that allows me sit up and it feels so heavy and so hot. It's also making my low blood pressure play up even more🙁 but I do love going outside early mornings when it's cooler and watching the sunrise😁💖
@Tinywhisper11 That is really early then but a good idea to do! I think sunrise is so inspiring,
@AffyAvo This is coming from someone whose disabilities make things a lot tougher, including heat intolerance and some sensory avoidance with sand and water.
My personal tips: Carry a drink with you at ALL times whilst you're in the heat or you're going out, regardless of how long you're at the beach. Always have a back-up plan if you get a flare up, one that's accessible to you, or someone close to you so you can get to safety.
Try finding sunscreen you don't mind using (as long as you're not allergic, have an intolerance to it, or otherwise). That can be extremely important when you're in the sun. (Don't forget your scalp, around the eyes [use a mineral sunscreen to prevent the burning sensation], the ears, the neck, and especially anywhere else you can reach. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you can't get everywhere.)
My other advice is try to observe the environment and if there's lifeguards or anyone trained with CPR (adults, kids, pets, etc). That is, if you're able to see. If you can't, try to see if someone can look for you.
Another tip I've personally given to someone before regardless of the situation: If you have a service dog/animal, if anyone tries to pet it/gets curious, etc., I'd recommend firstly standing your ground if you don't want that (as for most cases, it's not warranted at all to interrupt the service animal.) Instead, try to give other people a fake name. (For example, if their name is "John", then the fake name is "Rodney") so if they try to call the animal for any reason, it'll save you in the long run especially if the service animal in question can't be easily distracted from any of it's work.
I might have more later, but those are just ones I keep in mind for others in the case they need it. If I am incorrect or if there's any good points I didn't think of, please feel free to let me know/add to it! 😊
@lovingCat6978 Thanks!
Those are all great tips - hydration, UV protection and awareness plus ideas for those with service dogs.
I'll throw in a few - the UV protective clothing is better than it used to be. When it's not really hot I think it can be a good option instead of sunscreen for large areas, plus is easier to apply to the back!
Pick out beaches that work for mobility. There are many options that have pathways and some have nice grassy areas right up to the sand. There are also some beaches with wheelchairs that can be used in the sand and/or mobility pathways on the sand into the water.
One of my favourite tips - go when it's a little cooler and cloudy! It tends to be less crowded, the water tends to retain heat well so is still a good temperature and it's more comfortable. Awareness is needed to not get too cold though after getting in the water.
@AffyAvo going when less crowded is a great tip, nothing worse than being in a crowded area in a wheelchair or on crutches, or having to wait in a queue, top tip - take a walking stick seat!
@lovingCat6978 You have shared some wonderful tips there that will help lots of people I am sure.
@AffyAvo July has flown by with so many things going on so I think I missed it in a flash.