“I made it my passion and mission in life to make sure when I leave this world, the world is left a little bit more inclusive and accessible for anybody that comes behind us. I don’t want any other family struggling and going through life the way we did.” SMILE Mass Founder, Lotte Diomede, discusses her long fight for equity for individuals and families of people with disabilities.
As pandemic restrictions ease and travel livens up again, you may be considering treating your family to a vacation. However, you may also be worried about how much your loved one with special needs will be able to enjoy the time spent away from home. After all, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that travel-limiting disabilities prevent over 3.5 million Americans from taking recreational trips.
Fortunately, it isn’t impossible to have a vacation that everyone in your family will enjoy. The key is to plan everything in an exhaustive and detail-oriented manner. Below we run through a few tips you can use to prepare for that perfect, special needs-friendly family vacation.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before embarking on any trip, it’s best to first consult your loved one’s healthcare provider. They can clarify what kinds of vacations your family member’s condition will allow and what they need when they’re there. Aside from prescribing medicines and advising precautions, they can give you the contact details of recommended healthcare professionals at your vacation spot of choice.
Consult Specialized Travel Agencies
Nowadays, travel agencies are more inclusive and can help you settle everything from accessible travel to lodging. Many are even spearheaded by disabled persons themselves. Take Travel for All, which is led by CEO and wheelchair user Tarita Davenock, for example. The company customizes vacations all over the globe to unique conditions. Meanwhile, there are more niche companies like Seable Holidays, which cater specifically to visually-impaired users.
Maximize Government Resources
The federal government offers many free services that can make vacation planning easier. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program allows you to contact the US embassy or consulate for emergencies on international trips. If you’re staying stateside, the National Park Service Access Pass allows free access to national sites for US citizens with permanent disabilities. Meanwhile, both Amtrak and Greyhound offer reduced fares for wheelchair users and a travel companion.
Pack The Necessary Equipment
Make a list of the items you need and pack them well in advance. According to online health resource SymptomFind, some important mobility devices you may want to bring include wheelchairs, power scooters, walkers, and canes. You can borrow some of these from our extensive Equipment Loaner Program. Items we have on loan include floating beach wheelchairs, adapted bikes, and portable ramps.
Simulate Your Home Routine
According to a fact sheet from the National Institutes of Health, many disabled persons — and those on the autism spectrum in particular — thrive on routine, and may react negatively to new and sudden changes in the environment. If your family member is one of these, consider preparing to make your vacation as much like your home life as possible. For example, plan activities before their much-coveted afternoon nap, or bring their favorite foods along instead of having them sample the local cuisine.
Lower Your Expectations
Your first foray outside the home probably won’t be the dream family getaway you imagined, but that’s okay! Traveling is a skill honed over time, so take each trip as a learning experience. If you’re nervous, start out small by traveling to local spots, then extend your reach to a couple of nearby states. Once you’re ready, try your hand at planning an international trip. Most importantly, make the most out of your vacation once you’re there! Instead of poring over the details, take time to live in the moment and form precious family memories.
ROBERT KRAFT AND THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOUNDATION DONATE $275,000 IN THE NAMES OF 2020 MYRA KRAFT COMMUNITY MVP AWARD WINNERS
Twenty-six New Englanders were honored by the Kraft family during a virtual ceremony on Oct. 30.
Lotte Diomede of Sudbury, Mass. receives $10,000 donation for SMILE Mass.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Every year since 1998, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots have been celebrating those who give their time to help others. The program was originally known as the Community Quarterback Awards and were presented to those who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism.
In 2011, the awards were renamed in honor of the late Myra Kraft who committed her life to volunteering. As part of the New England Patriots Foundation’s ongoing Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, the Kraft family traditionally hosts a special ceremony at Gillette Stadium to celebrate the honorees.
On Friday, Oct. 30, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots hosted a virtual ceremony to celebrate 26 volunteers from all across New England. Twenty-five organizations received grants of $10,000 in honor of their outstanding volunteers and one grand prize winner received a surprise $25,000 donation.
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Foundation President Joshua Kraft and Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett all participated in the virtual ceremony.
“This year has been incredibly challenging for so many families, but it has also been difficult for nonprofits,” said Robert Kraft. “They have been called upon to support more families than ever before but have been unable to host their traditional fundraising events. Volunteers are the lifeblood of these charitable organizations and they have stepped up in a big way during this unprecedented time. We were honored to be able to meet 26 of these local heroes – albeit virtually – and to be able to shine a spotlight on their volunteer efforts.”
Lotte Diomede of Sudbury, Mass. was recognized as a 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner. In honor of her dedication to volunteering, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation will make a $10,000 donation to her nonprofit, SMILE Mass.
Ten years ago, Lotte started the nonprofit to support families of children and adults with disabilities. Having a son with a disability, her initial goal was to donate a floating wheelchair to a local beach.
The organization has grown tremendously – donating more than 140 floating wheelchairs and building universal playgrounds across the state. She also opened a vacation home that has been specially designed to accommodate people of all abilities.
“Although it has been a challenging year, getting this nomination has reminded me why I get up every day, advocate, create programs and support our communities,” said Lotte. “It is all in an effort to make the world a better place to live for anyone with or without disabilities.
‘What we advocate for is so simple yet sometimes so hard to understand for the average family. I have come to the conclusion that you just don’t know until your world is touched,” Lotte continued. “You don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect to make a difference in someone’s life. You simply have to care.”
The 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP winners range from 14 to 97 years old and represent every New England state. The selected nonprofits provide support for many causes, including education, foster care, homelessness, mental health, mentoring, military support and youth development.
The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation received more than 250 applications this year from nonprofit organizations looking to recognize their outstanding volunteers. Nominations open each spring and the awards are open to all nonprofit organizations in the New England region. For more information on the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards, please visit www.patriots.com/community.
On Friday, Oct. 30, Robert Kraft, Josh Kraft and Andre Tippett participated in a virtual ceremony honoring the 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winners. Twenty-six volunteers were recognized for their efforts at nonprofit organizations from all across New England.
–PATRIOTS–
For many it is a sign of relief, for others it is with a sense of uncertainty. But however you feel, September is here and school is back in session. So whether you are now home schooling, doing a hybrid model, or your kiddo is full time, we know your decision was not made lightly. This year is the year where we as parents have a voice and a choice. But despite this, only you know what you feel is best for your family. So as you read this, I ask you to be patient with yourself, your kids, your spouse and your surroundings. I ask you to embrace all the good and enjoy all the little things. The way I look at all of this is, how lucky I am to have stolen time with my kids that I would never have had. I had the opportunity to have a close up of my kid’s school program, baked with my teenager and taken long bike rides. I will often work in the early morning hours when the rest of the house is sleeping. It may not be ideal, and yes I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have an hour to myself. But even on my worst day, I remind myself of how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads and food on the table (even when no one thinks there is anything to eat in this house). Life is good! We will get through this challenging time.
If you are in a tough spot right now, the sun will rise again and tomorrow will be a new day with new possibilities.
You are perfect and amazing just the way you are!
Read our entire SMILE Mass September Newsletter 2020.
With the COVID-19 outbreak back in February, we have all had to make huge changes in how we are continuing to conduct our business, school, home and social engagements.
Most of us are creatures of habit, and do not like change. Yet COVID-19 and the universe had a different plan for all of us.
As the world came to a halt, SMILE Mass was scrambling to continue to service the families that so desperately needed our support.
Just like that, we are now running 14 different online zoom classes to support continued remote learning through play and music to our younger generation of all abilities. Our adapted equipment loaner program was quickly updated with new procedures and promptly opened in an effort to continue to service the many families now at home, desperately in need of adapted recreational equipment. At our summer home on Cape Cod, we have implemented new procedures and expectations by both SMILE Mass and our guests to make sure we can keep the house safe for all our families whom will be visiting this season.
Despite all the changes. SMILE Mass simply can’t t keep up with the demand and we are asking for your help NOW. We need volunteers to help deliver beach wheelchairs, people to join the 4x4x4x4 or simply make a monetary donation. No donation is too small. Every donation we get in today will support our continued effort in creating a better tomorrow.
To see a quick overview of the present and the near future click here.
Your continued support, cheering and encouragement is what gives us the hope, strength and courage to move forward even when the world seems troubled.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
Make it a great day,
Lotte & The SMILE Mass Team
Ten years ago, SMILE Mass was born out of a vision to create a fully accessible playground in Sudbury. It has been immensely gratifying to see how popular that playground has become, and I still love hearing how families are enjoying the opportunities it provides for people of all abilities to meet and play together. Just as gratifying, if not more so, have been the opportunities to partner with groups in surrounding towns who want to expand the vision of inclusive play to their own communities.
In Hudson, SMILE Mass is supporting Smile2Play in its creation of a Universal Community Playground. This playground, which will employ universal design standards (which exceed the requirements set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act), will create a space where people of all abilities can meet and play together, and will help foster understanding and acceptance. SMILE Mass is also providing fundraising assistance to the Jones Field Accessible Playground project in Acton. This play space will also incorporate universal design elements and will provide the opportunity for all local children to play, explore, and interact in a welcoming environment. Both projects are still raising funds through our website: you can support the Acton playground here, and the Hudson playground here.
In the midst of winter, my heart is also warmed by stories of how SMILE Mass is making an impact far beyond our little corner of the world. Recently, fellow Sudbury resident Lisa Armour recounted how she met a couple at Logan airport who were traveling with their son, who uses a wheelchair. “I told them about SMILE Mass,” Lisa recalled, “and they said that they already knew about it, and used your resources to plan their trip to Florida. You’re really making a difference!” Here’s to our next ten years of making a difference, and helping create communities in which we can all play, learn, and grow together.
~Lotte
Have a story about SMILE Mass you’d like to share?
Please contact our editor, Deb Hochhauser at: info@smilemass.org
The holiday season is almost upon us, that time of year when everything seems to turn into a whirlwind of activity. Here at SMILE Mass we are incredibly busy too, and while we all may be a bit tired, we are also extremely excited about what we have in the works.
Thanks to our grant from the Cummings Foundation, we are taking the final steps to launch an inclusive fitness program to enable people with disabilities and their families to workout together. As the Centers for Disease Control rightly notes, fitness is for everybody, but ask yourself: when was the last time you saw someone with a disability at your local gym? Our adaptive fitness program will give participants the opportunity to improve their physical wellbeing by working with trained coaches while their family members pursue their own fitness goals. As with our other programs, our aim is to offer programming within, not outside of, the broader community.
Another project in the works is a major expansion of our floating beach wheelchair program in Connecticut. We have forged many wonderful connections with people eager to expand access to the state’s beaches, and are especially grateful for the support of State Senator Heather Somers. Already this year, SMILE Mass has donated three beach wheelchairs to the communities of Fairfield, Norwalk and Westport, and our goal is to get 40 to 60 floating chairs on the beaches by the end of next summer.
Our adaptive fitness program and the expansion of our beach wheelchair program in Connecticut will enable us to not only expand our offerings and our reach, but, more importantly, further our mission of making barrier-free recreational and vacation experiences available to all.
As we progress through this beautiful and busy time of year, take some time to pause, relax and have fun!
~Lotte
There is just something special about the summer; It is the time of the year where millions of families make time for vacation, building memories, sleep a little longer and, for some, eat too much ice cream. The Summer of 2019 has been a little atypical in the Diomede household; I am still recovering from my shoulder surgery and won’t be able to do any lifting of Nicholas until late November so, for someone that is used to doing everything, I had to learn to be patient. Not my strong suit!
As a parent, I was looking forward to a vacation with the kids, getting off the “hamster wheel”, even if it was just for a week and spending quality time together. We did not have an opportunity to spend time with extended family from Europe for the first time in 10 years. We have always gone home to Denmark to see everyone before venturing off to a spot somewhere for a little family time. Despite lots of planning, with our children getting older, holding our usual family reunion vacation has become challenging. We never quite know if all the older cousins will show up, unless of course we are doing a family reunion somewhere exiting; something that involves, an exotic location, Europa, a cruise, jet skis, boats etc., and is fully paid for ‘of course’. I think you get where I am going with this. Yes, building memories can be exhausting, but worth every ounce of time and energy. There is no better pleasure than being able to create amazing vacations, build memories and get to relax together – no matter where you are.
So, as I am quietly sitting in our beach rental on Cape Cod, writing this newsletter, I was worried I wasn’t doing enough for the kids this summer. I was feeling a little guilty. But when I started to reflect, I realized all the good that had happened, just because we had to stay home for the summer; It is well past midnight as I write and all I can hear is the sounds of crashing waves, Nicholas’ quiet breathing, Annabelle giggling with a friend, my little dog JoJo sleeping and the peace of knowing we are together. I am so blessed. I am enjoying all the little things.
The summer of 2019 might not have been a big vacation summer with family and friends from near and far, but what I did experience in the Diomede household is we all learned something new; Annabelle got her license, she is now “free as a bird” and yes, we are slowly looking at possible colleges. King Nicholas attended soccer and baseball camp for the very first time and he absolutely loved it! He has become quite a navigator in his power wheelchair, gaining new independence every day.
I have had the privilege to have extra time at the office (my dining room table). One of my goals for the summer was to evaluate what we do well at SMILE Mass and what we can improve. Here is what I found;
– We have over 8000 social media followers & email subscribers
– We have donated over 140 Beach wheel chairs
– We service over 50,000 families a year with all of our programs
– Our beach house has been fully rented in both 2018 and 2019, with a waitlist anticipating the release of the calendar for the 2020 season in mid-September
– Our equipment loaner program has, for the first time in 8 years, also experienced massive growth and we now have a wait list
– Our monthly activity program for our kids and adult with disabilities is growing
– Our Coffee Club is slowly but surely growing
– With a lot of classes and training it seems we are getting better at Grant writing
Yes, of course there is always room for improvement in any organization but, I must admit, I am quite impressed with YOU! Yes, YOU and the whole SMILE Mass Team. All of this would not have been possible without all of YOU!
It is with that in mind that I ask you to join us once again in the latest SMILE Mass donation campaign. “Be the reason someone SMILES today” was launched so that NO ONE has to be on a wait list to do something you and I take for granted – like a beach day. By continuing to support SMILE Mass, you will ensure that we will be able to continue to grow ALL of our programs.
Susan and I always knew there was a need for what SMILE Mass does, but we could NEVER have predicted the demand of our many programs. As our summer nights slowly, but surely, are coming to an end, I ask that you help us once again; Let’s continue to support equal opportunity for everyone. No donation is too small, and all donations are tax deductible.
Your support will insure, a child with a disability can enjoy a playground, a family can have a day together at the beach and a vacation can now be a reality because of accessibility.
Together we will build a better tomorrow, where everyone belongs despite their differences.
From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!
Lotte & the SMILE Mass Team
I was “meditating” yesterday, meaning I went for my very first short run, while still recovering from rotator cuff surgery. When I run I get to think a lot. Yesterday was an especially beautiful day; the birds were chirping, the temperature was amazing and everyone seemed to be out. People were walking their dogs, playing with their kids, just enjoying the simple things in life. That got me thinking; What can we do in our communities through out New England to create equal opportunity for all residents, despite their disability. They too should be able enjoy the little things in life like hopping, skipping, jumping or rolling. As I was running, my dream got bigger and bigger!
I had a vision; What if people in this and our surrounding communities fully realized the power in people? If we ALL did a little, we could move mountains making an incredible impact and finally creating the ideal lifestyle and community we would all be proud to be a part of.
The accessible playground put us on the map and from there it just snowballed. Today, SMILE Mass services over 100,000 people and families during the year with the different programs we offer.
I started to realized that even the smallest of changes towards creating a better and more inclusive community where everyone could thrive was the beginning of a better tomorrow!
While the SMILE Mass Mission is simple, it is still complicated for most towns. They do the best they can with the information they are given. Despite all this, the unfortunate thing is most often people whom are mobility challenged or confined to a wheelchair just don’t have the same opportunity and access to the facilities in their community. That is exactly what we are striving to change.
For the last nine years, the SMILE Mass team has been committed to this mission. There has been no greater joy than watching people emerge into their full potential, gain confidence, live with purpose; simply because of access to new programs where everyone is included despite disability. Although this all started with a thought, I would not have been able to do what we do, without each and every one of YOU! With your support, we can continue to transform communities, one town at a time. If you love what SMILE Mass is doing, stay tuned: Over the next week you will receive information about a campaign where YOU will be the reason that someone SMILES today – stay tuned!
SMILE Mass fundraises in the following areas:
Beach wheelchair program – We want as many beach wheelchairs across New England!
Adaptive gym – We’re looking to build a fully handicapped accessible gym space. A space where everyone will have the opportunity to work out together, despite disability.
Equipment Loaner Program – The SMILE Mass equipment loaner program allows families to borrow adapted equipment, FREE of charge, to take anywhere for a day, a week or longer, so that they can enjoy a day of recreation with the entire family.
Hudson Playground – The Town of Hudson is raising funds for a universal playground!
Accessible Beach House – The SMILE Mass Beach House is a fully handicapped accessible space, that is aesthetically pleasing. It offers families equal opportunity, with minimum barriers. Everyone deserves to relax, have fun with friends and family, play outside and soak up the sun despite disability.
Sincere thanks from Lotte and the SMILE Mass team
Traveling with a wheelchair takes planning and sometimes “out of the box” thinking to create a special day. But if you are reading this, you are like the rest of us looking for something to do that is a great fit for the whole family. So, with that, I sincerely hope this note will give you the pleasure of doing a little less home work, and a lot more fun trips. Enjoy the summer, make some magic and build lots of memories. tomorrow is not promised, we only have today!
Day Trip Ideas:
If you have a need for SPEED
~ Canobie Lake Park (they will have bracelets for kids and adults with disabilities)
~ Six Flags New England is a total over-load for us, but if you love roller coasters and big water parks this is the place to visit.
~ Codzilla is a must if you love speed, but I would call them to let them know you will be coming so the can be prepared to help you get on board. Also be prepared to get wet 😉
Full day trips or partial day trips:
~ Trip to Boston: Park at Faneuil Hall. If you are there on a Saturday don’t miss the farmers market, it is fun and everything is a $1 per pound, so load up on your veggies. Walk Through Faneuil Hall and enjoy yourself by taking a ride on the only accessible merry-go-round. Walk towards the water. Thought out the summer the sprinklers will be on across from the aquarium. Most of the boat trips along the water are accessible. The Duck tours are fun, but not a fit if you are 100% wheelchair bound.
~ The North End is loaded with history, definitely worth a trip. If you want to have a more joyful day and not worry about all the cobblestone, borrow a stroller from SMILE Mass for the day so everyone is comfortable. There is not a bad restaurant in the North End, but most places are small and tight, we usually get something to go and then go to some of the green places to enjoy it. And before we leave we always stop at Mike’s Pastry. Tell them Lotte Sent you 😉 It is a sad truth, but they know Nicholas and I.
~ Castle Island is awesome, you can stay all day, or simply stay for a couple of hours. Bring the whole family – the dog as well. There is something for everyone. Beach, walks and of course Sullivan’s Restaurant for fantastic lobster rolls, burgers, dogs and more!
~ A trip to the Beach – see the full list of beaches that have beach wheelchairs from SMILE Mass
~ To borrow a beach wheelchair from SMILE Mass, please fill out the form
~ Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
~ Museum of Fine Arts– check their schedule to see when they have art kids events only $7
~ Edaville Family Theme Park
Local Activities in MetroWest and beyond:
~ Mini golf – several options throughout Massachusetts, but Putts and More in Holliston is accessible!
~ Bowling – several options such as Kings (multiple locations) or the Apex Center in Marlborough
~ Apex Center in Marlborough – has many options for activities for kids – laser tag, bowling, go karts, Muse Paint Bar and so much more
~ Pedal Power, Acton MA – this bike store is right next to the rail trail and they have several adapted bikes you can borrow – call ahead to make sure there is availability for your needs
~ SMILE Mass Playground in Sudbury, MA – this playground has lots of rubber surfacing and is fully accessible