F.A.Q.

I rented the Truro house. When will I receive more information?
We are currently updating our policies and procedures.  In April, everyone who has already rented will receive a copy of the policies and procedures.  Included will be check-in/check-out times, house rules, and a list of available adapted equipment.  Please let us know what adapted equipment you need as soon as possible so we can put you on our adapted equipment schedule and arrange delivery to Truro.
For those who book after April, you will receive this information within 72 hours of your booking.
What time is check-in/check-out?
Check-in is at 4:00pm and check-out is at 10:00 A.M.  Unfortunately, we are not able to grant early check-ins or late check-outs as this time is required for the cleaning crew to prepare for your stay properly.  From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we only rent Sunday-Sunday.  Off-season, there is a three-night minimum with check-in and check-out on any day.
How will I get the key for my stay?
We have contactless check-in therefore, there is no key.  The is a keypad on the door, and you will be emailed a code for your specific stay 1 – 2 weeks before your arrival.
What is included in my rental?
All linens (sheets/blankets, bath towels, beach towels), an in-unit washer/dryer, a floating beach wheelchair, toilet paper, paper towels, and a hair dryer. Please note that cleaning happens before you arrive, and after you leave, there is no housekeeping during your stay. There is a Keurig coffee maker.  It is your responsibility to bring any K-cups and laundry detergents.  Sometimes, previous renters leave some behind, which you are welcome to use.
Who do I call if I have questions during my stay?
You can call either of the SMILE Mass co-founders with any questions or concerns. Their phone numbers will be provided to you with your rental agreement.  Calling or texting is preferred over email to ensure that your issue is resolved quickly.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately, due to HOA rules, only service animals are allowed at the unit.  Service animals must wear their vest any time they are outside of our individual unit.
Does the unit have Wi-Fi and cable?
The unit does have wi-fi. The network name and password will be in the policies and procedures.  There is a smart tv in the downstairs living room and the upstairs bedroom.  We provide youtubeTV.  You are welcome to log in to any of your own streaming services on the smart TV (Netflix, Paramount, Disney+, etc).  Please remember to log out before you leave.
Does the unit have air conditioning?
Our unit does not have air conditioning.  We do provide fans.  If you open doors/windows in the front and back, you get a very nice cross breeze.
How many people can stay?
The unit sleeps 6.  There is a queen-size adjustable bed in the first-floor bedroom, a queen size bed in the upstairs bedroom, and a king-size sleeper sofa that was new in 2023.
Is there parking?
There is parking for up to 4 cars.  We have 2 tandem spots marked for unit 3, so you can park 2 behind 2.  Keep in mind if you have a wheelchair van, you will need space for your ramp within that area of our four spots.

Why did SMILE Mass create a vacation retreat for families raising kids and adults with disabilities?

Answer: Vacationing can be challenging for individuals with disabilities. They often require physical support in a new environment due to the lack of adapted facilities. Around 75% of disabled adults are unemployed while raising a child or adult with a disability can pose financial difficulties. Families with multiple children face challenges when requesting a handicapped-accessible room. Appropriate accommodations are rarely available and can add to the financial burden. Surrounding facilities play a critical role in easing the caregiver’s burden. We want to provide truly handicapped accessible vacation options to help families create happy, healthy memories despite their disabilities.

Why is a vacation retreat so important for families raising kids and adults with disabilities?

Answer: For people with disabilities, going on vacation is often challenging due to the lack of adapted facilities and the need for physical support. Families with disabled members also face difficulties, such as requesting handicapped-accessible rooms that may only sleep up to 3 people. Financial burden is also a concern, as extra medical necessities are often not covered by insurance. We want to help families enjoy a truly handicapped-accessible vacation where they can create happy memories and feel typical despite their disability.

Reference: The Health of Primary Caregivers of Children With Cerebral Palsy: How Does It Compare With That of Other Canadian Caregivers? Page 3

Who will visit the SMILE Mass vacation home?

Answer: Anyone with a disability, either short or long-term. There are 54.4 million Americans who have one or more disabilities, and it is estimated that 35 million people, or 12.2%, reported a severe disability.

When did the SMILE Mass vacation home open, and where is it located? 

Answer:  The first SMILE Mass vacation home is located in Truro, MA, on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  We are proud to announce that the home opened for our first guests on June 30, 2018!

Why do we need vacation homes for families with disabled children/adults? Aren’t there already accommodations for disabled individuals?

Answer: While it is true that some accommodations for disabled persons already exist, there is still a need for the types of accommodations SMILE Mass will provide. Oftentimes, hotels advertise they are handicapped accessible, but in reality, they don’t meet high enough standards. Many don’t have roll-in showers, a necessity for a person in a wheelchair. Other times, there are not adequate ramps. A single stair is an obstacle for a wheelchair-bound person. We are going to go above and beyond ADA guidelines to Universally Accepted Standards.

Why can’t families raising children/adults with disabilities stay in typical accommodations? 

Answer: Families raising children/adults with disabilities are often in need of more space, and many times, a special needs child/adult has a disability that is not necessarily visible. It could be acting younger than chronological age or having sensory issues, which often means needing more personal space. To those with sensory issues, the noise from busy hallways and public spaces could be a disruption to the child/adult. Having larger space available for families raising children/adults with disabilities is a dream come true as there are often many large pieces of medical equipment needed to accommodate the child/adult with disabilities. Giving a family an opportunity to borrow different kinds of equipment (provided by SMILE Mass) to entertain and keep the child/adult busy will create an enjoyable environment for the whole family and memories that will last a lifetime.

What makes SMILE Mass’s vacation home unique from other accommodations in the area?

Answer: We created a vacation retreat that is truly handicapped accessible, with amenities that any family would only dream of. Some of these amenities include a roll-in shower, a floating beach wheelchair, a Hoyer lift, a jogging stroller, an adaptive bicycle, and so much more. In the future, we will look into adding even more features.

Where will the funding come from to purchase and upgrade the home to become handicapped accessible? 

Answer: SMILE Mass holds various fundraisers throughout the year as well as applies for grants.  We will continue to do this in order to update the unit. We also rely on sponsorships and donations from supportive donors and those who love what SMILE Mass is doing to bring accessibility to ponds, lakes, and local beaches,

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors:
“What a wonderful cause and I would be proud to donate! I had a cousin who was two weeks older than I who died of MS in 2002, and we always were inseparable at the beach at Ocean Park when growing up. When she got so bad and was confined to a wheelchair, her family would bring her to a rental in Kinney Shores but there was no way to get her near the beach or ocean. To think of so many children who are missing out on the beach experience is heartbreaking. We’ll donate online and wish you the best!”
Love, Ellen & Steve