Wheelchair users approve the 'ParaPraia' project
Amphibious wheelchairs took over Ondina beach for the debut of the ParaPraia project, in the stretch in front of the Instituto Baiano de Reabilitação; "I didn't come to the beach because of this and other difficulties that disabled people encounter to enjoy leisure in the city. With ParaPraia it's become much better," said Daniel Licio Sampaio; "Accessibility will also allow this project to be extended to other regions of the city. It is our intention that this project will take place throughout the year," said Mayor ACM Neto (DEM).
Bahia 247 - Amphibious chairs took over Ondina beach in the debut of the ParaPraia project, which began on Saturday (25) in the stretch in front of the Instituto Baiano de Reabilitação (IBR). The initiative, aimed at people with physical disabilities, served 46 people on the first weekend of the activity, and many of those who benefited had never experienced the sensation of a sea bath.
To ensure the safe use of the chairs, beachgoers were accompanied by students and professors from the physiotherapy course at the Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health.
"A feeling of freedom," said Luiza Câmara, president of the Bahia Association of Physically Disabled People (Abadef), as she emerged from the sea. She, who for 20 minutes traded her wheelchair for an amphibious one, said she is hoping the project succeeds. "I was the first woman to go into the sea today. I'm going to call everyone to come and enjoy the beach," she commented.
The ParaPraia project was also approved by Daniel Licio Sampaio, who has already visited Ondina beach with his family. "This is the only beach with an access ramp, but it doesn't go all the way to the sea, making it difficult to use a regular wheelchair. I didn't come to the beach because of this and other difficulties that disabled people face when trying to enjoy leisure activities in the city. With ParaPraia, it's become much better. I hope it will be implemented year-round, not just in the summer."
Present at the official opening of ParaPraia, Mayor ACM Neto (DEM) stated that the entire project for Salvador's new waterfront respects accessibility, so that all beaches can accommodate people with physical disabilities.
"Accessibility will also allow this project to be extended to other areas of the city. It is our intention for this project to take place throughout the year," said the mayor.
The beach, fully adapted for people with disabilities, is a creation of the Secretariat for Sustainable Cities (Secis), which intends to expand the project to other areas of the city next year. "Accessibility is one of the basic principles of a sustainable city," highlighted the Secretary of Secis, Ivanilson Gomes.
ParaPraia is sponsored by Banco Itaú and Salvador Shopping. It receives support from the Bahiana Faculty of Medicine and Public Health and the State Secretariat of Justice and Human Rights. The project is designed by Nossa Agência Marketing and also has the support of lifeguards and physical education instructors.
In Ondina, the first edition of ParaPraia takes place until February 16th, every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 14 pm. In addition to the floating amphibious chairs, the location also features a swimming pool, spaces for recreational activities, special restrooms, sunshades, tents, and access paths to the beach.