Miami Beach adaptive beach program returns Sept. 20

The Sabrina Cohen Foundation's Adaptive Beach Days program returns to Miami Beach on Sunday, Sept. 20, providing ocean access for people with disabilities at 6475 Collins Ave.

The pop-up program sets up beach wheelchairs, access decks and adaptive equipment so participants can reach the water. Trained staff and volunteers guide participants into the ocean. Activities include adaptive surf and water sports, aqua therapy, art therapy and chair yoga.

The city of Miami Beach posted the updated Sept. 20 date on its Facebook page. Sessions run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A lifeguard is on duty.

Foundation Has Served 6,500 Participants Since 2016

Sabrina Cohen, the foundation's president and founder, lives with a spinal cord injury. She launched the program in 2016. Since then, more than 6,500 participants, family members and friends have taken part, according to the foundation's website.

Susan Solman, a participant who has used a wheelchair for 19 years after a spinal cord injury, is quoted on the foundation's site: "Every time I go to the beach, it's like the best day of my life."

Student Volunteers Power Each Session

Dozens of college and high school students volunteer at each session. The foundation draws volunteers from the University of Miami, Florida International University and other local schools, according to Cohen's LinkedIn page.

Program Runs Monthly Through November

The program runs on the third Sunday of each month through November, according to a city press release about the foundation's partnership with Miami Beach. The same site at 6475 Collins Ave. is home to Sabrina's Playground, the first fully accessible playground in Miami Beach.

City, Foundation Plan Permanent Recreation Center

The city and the foundation are also developing a permanent Adaptive Recreation Center at 5301 Collins Ave. The planned three-story, roughly 27,000-square-foot facility, designed by Kobi Karp Architects, would include fitness and therapy spaces, a rooftop pool and beachside activities, according to the foundation's campaign page. The fundraising goal is $22 million. The city is also building a new ADA-accessible paver path called the Pathway of Inclusion at the beach site, expected to open in early 2027.

Upcoming Adaptive Beach Days Schedule

Upcoming Adaptive Beach Days at 6475 Collins Ave., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: