A new accessible beach project in Donegal is being praised for changing what family time by the sea can look like for children with disabilities. The Health Service Executive (HSE) and surf charity Liquid Therapy say the initiative is proving that inclusive design, therapy and community support can open up the coast in ways many families have never experienced before.
The programme, called Making Waves, was developed through a partnership between the HSE’s Children’s Disability Network Team in Donegal North and Liquid Therapy. Announced on gov.ie-linked public sector channels through the wider Irish health and disability ecosystem, the project focuses on making the beach and ocean more accessible for young people with additional needs.
How the accessible beach project is helping families in Donegal
For one Ramelton family, the impact has been deeply personal. Natasha Boyce said the programme has brought freedom, reassurance and joy to her son Teddy, who was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and uses a wheelchair and walker.
According to the family, the experience allowed Teddy to enjoy the beach as any other child would: moving across the sand, entering the sea, spending time in the waves with his sister and learning to surf with specialist support. What stood out most was the independence built into the model. Instead of being a passive participant, he was enabled to take part on his own terms.
- Wheelchair-friendly beach access
- Support to transfer safely onto sand and into the water
- Specially adapted surf equipment
- Therapeutic goals built into each session
- Shared family experiences in a local setting
This kind of approach reflects broader priorities across Health, Social Protection, Children/Disability/Equality and Local Government and Heritage, where practical accessibility can make a measurable difference to daily life.
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What makes Making Waves different
This accessible beach project is not simply about recreation. It was co-designed by clinicians, surf therapists and families, creating two distinct ways to connect children with the ocean:
- An early years wheelchair-accessible beach pathway
- An ocean-to-child pathway for children unable to enter the sea directly
The second pathway brings the sensory experience of the coast to the child through saltwater, sand and shells, while still supporting therapeutic aims. Families also benefit from beach access mats, a specialist wheelchair and a purpose-built seated surfboard designed to reduce barriers to participation.
HSE occupational therapy staff said the project demonstrates what true family-centred care looks like beyond traditional clinical settings. That community-based model aligns with the direction of the Health Service Executive (HSE), HIQA-informed service improvement thinking and a wider public sector emphasis on inclusion.
Recognition and wider public impact
The success of the accessible beach project has already gained professional attention. It was presented at the European Academy of Childhood Disability Conference in June 2026, showing how local innovation in Donegal can influence wider disability practice. The team also received the Bright Spark award at the HSE Spark Summit and secured funding for summer 2026 delivery.
There is also momentum beyond healthcare. Collaboration with local authorities is helping embed beach access mats into standard operating practice, while work is under way on permanent accessible coastal infrastructure. That gives the project relevance not just for the HSE, but also for agencies connected to Housing, Transport, Rural and Community Development and public access planning.
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Why this accessible beach project matters
The bigger message is simple: inclusion works best when services are created with families rather than for them. This accessible beach project shows how thoughtful design, specialist support and local partnerships can turn a normal beach day into something life-changing.
As Ireland continues to prioritise accessible public services through bodies such as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and related state agencies, Making Waves stands out as a practical example of what progress looks like on the ground. The takeaway is clear: an accessible beach project can deliver not only therapy and mobility support, but dignity, belonging and unforgettable family moments.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
