In Greece, an innovative technology called SeaTrac is making waves by transforming beach experiences for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. Designed with accessibility in mind, SeaTrac offers unassisted access to the sea, allowing individuals to independently enjoy the ocean's freedom. For those who have been unable to experience beachgoing due to physical limitations, SeaTrac provides a life-changing opportunity to reconnect with the water.
Ben Keeley, the founder of Wisdom 4 the Blind, experienced SeaTrac firsthand, and the impact was profound. After nearly 20 years of being unable to enter the water, Ben was guided into the sea using SeaTrac. The moment he felt the water around him was both emotional and uplifting, rekindling a connection with the ocean that had been lost for decades. For Ben, this experience wasn’t just about swimming—it was about reclaiming a part of his life that had been inaccessible for so long. The joy and liberation he felt highlight the deep emotional impact that accessible technology like SeaTrac can have on individuals.
SeaTrac also brings peace of mind to caretakers and families, allowing them to enjoy the beach without the physical demands of assisting their loved ones into the water. It’s time for this kind of innovation to come to the United States. Accessible beach experiences should be available to everyone, regardless of mobility challenges. Bringing SeaTrac to our shores would open up new possibilities for people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone, including those in the blind and low vision community, can enjoy the freedom and beauty of the ocean independently and confidently.
