Fort Macon State Park Provides Beach Access with New Beach Wheelchairs for People with Disabilities

March 10, 2016 (Raleigh, NC) – New beach wheelchairs that provide beach access to individuals with mobility disabilities will be showcased at A Day at The Beach: Sun, Sand and Fun for All at Fort Macon State Park at Atlantic Beach, NC on March 19, 2016 at 11 AM. The event welcomes families with and without disabilities to participate in the weekend event and celebrate March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Who and What: Fort Macon State Park and North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) host A Day at The Beach: Sun, Sand and Fun for All.

When: Saturday, March 19, 2016

            11 AM – 1 PM

Where: Fort Macon State Park at Atlantic Beach, NC

            2303 E Fort Macon Rd

Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

Why:Fort Macon State Park received four new beach wheelchairs from ACCESS North Carolina, a program that also offers an online travel guide in coordination with Visit North Carolina for people with disabilities, people who are aging and parents with child and infant strollers.

NCCDD promotes integrated and inclusive communities through its Five Year Plan and initiatives across the State of North Carolina.

Photo opportunities: People with disabilities will demonstrate the beach wheelchairs

Interview opportunities:

• Randy Newman, Superintendent of Fort Macon State Park
• Christopher Egan, Executive Director, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Kelly Woodall, member, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Wendy Boyd, member, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Brendon Hildreth, member of the community
• Lois Blanchard, member of the community

Media Contact: Devika Rao, 404-374-5231

About Fort Macon State Park:

Fort Macon State Park was named the 2015 North Carolina State Park of the Year by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, and holds that distinction throughout the yearlong centennial celebration of the state parks system. The park was chosen for its “exemplary contribution to the North Carolina state parks mission of stewardship, public service and education,” and specifically recognized for initiatives in expanded recreation opportunities, volunteerism, interpretive programming and sustainability.

About the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities:

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life. Through its Five Year Plan, the Council identifies and funds innovative projects and initiatives that promote the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) for all North Carolinians.

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