To experience the beach and amble through the sand to the water's edge to beach comb or get my feet wet is a treasured moment. Yet, conventional wheelchairs, with their thin wheels, do not work well in the sand, despite always finding a couple of people willing to help maneuver my chair closer to the water.

Typically, a view from the sidewalk or parking lot is about as close as you can get to the beach. Persons with disabilities who want to sun, search for treasures, hang out with friends, swim, or splash in the rhythmic waves find it totally frustrating to be cut off from a cherished activity.

For the complete article, go to http://www.ncpad.org/181/1344/Rolling~on~the~Beach~Gets~Easier.