Australia is renowned for its stunning coastline, with nearly 12,000 beaches stretching across the country. However, statistic reveals that less than 2% of these beaches are accessible to people with disabilities.
For Alistair, a valued client at Unisson, and countless others, this is more than a statistic—it’s a barrier to living fully.
Alistair’s Journey Back to the Ocean
Growing up near Manly Beach, Alistair always felt at home in the water. After a tragic accident left him unable to walk, returning to the beach seemed impossible for many years. Thanks to the dedication and determination of his support team at Unisson, working together with his Occupational Therapist, Alistair can now enjoy the waves again.
For Alistair, this has been life-changing—his face lights up the moment he’s back in the water. In December, he and his Support Worker, John, shared Al’s story with reporter Daniel Doody from Studio 10 at Manly Beach. During the interview, they spoke about the importance of accessible beaches and captured Alistair’s pure excitement at reconnecting with the ocean he loves.
Watch Interview below ⤵️
The Bigger Picture: Why Accessibility Matters
The lack of accessible beaches isn’t just an oversight—it’s a societal challenge that limits opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy nature, connect with others, and build lifelong memories.
Accessible beaches open doors for everyone, creating spaces where inclusion thrives. Alistair’s journey highlights the transformative power of these spaces, showing how small changes can lead to profound impacts on people’s lives.
How You Can Help
Creating inclusive spaces starts with awareness and action. Accessible Beaches are a step towards ensuring everyone can enjoy the freedom and beauty of Australia’s coastline.
🖋️ Sign the petition today and help turn the tide for accessibility:
Make Australia’s Beaches Accessible
Capturing the Moment
The photos from Alistair’s swimming sessions and return-to-water activities beautifully highlight his infectious smile and the joy he feels when reconnecting with the water. These moments underscore the importance of creating accessible spaces where everyone can thrive and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
