A cloudy day in Pismo Beach didn’t stop John Reid and his wife Nikki Reich from trying something new.
“This is the first time we’ve been outside in a long time,” Reich said.
It’s an opportunity that not many people with certain disabilities have – to go to the beach.
Thanks to a device that temporarily transforms a wheelchair into a battery-powered vehicle that can cope with different surfaces such as sand or gravel, certain obstacles are no longer a problem.
“People in wheelchairs need access and there are ways to make that possible,” Reich said.
Reid has been battling colon cancer for ten years and was recently diagnosed with a rare brain disease called progressive supranuclear ophthalmoplegia (PSP), which makes it difficult for him to speak, walk and move his eyes.
It wasn’t long ago that John Reid was actively involved in the Central Coast community.
“Just a year ago he was on stage reading poetry, and now he’s having trouble speaking and opening his eyes,” Reich said.
Reid’s wife says she wants him to enjoy the outdoors again, as he used to hike all the time.
“It’s hard to get someone who would otherwise be walking around barefoot all the time to stay home and not live a fulfilling life,” Reich said.
Positive Ride gives people with disabilities the opportunity to ride their power wheelchairs called “Freedom Trax” to beaches, trails and other places on the Central Coast that are inaccessible to most wheelchair users.
“I can come from the beach or anywhere else and enter an ADA accessible restroom or restaurant. I can just walk in and stay in my lane, not have to worry about getting out, and they’re out of the way,” said Travis Jecker, founder of Positive Ride.
The machine has adjustable widths and lengths. It weighs about 70 pounds. Best of all, the nonprofit doesn’t charge people with disabilities anything for a ride on the beach or hiking trails.
Reich and her husband were grateful for this opportunity.
“We really try to give him all the joy in the world and enjoy it together every day,” Reich said. “I’m glad we were able to find these things in the area for him.”
To learn how you can volunteer or donate to the organization, click here.
