Triangle, Inc. honors DCR’s Universal Access Program for its dedication to the disability community

Triangle, Inc., a Malden-based nonprofit that offers innovative and comprehensive programs providing employment and independent living skills for people with disabilities, honored the Universal Access Program (UAP) of the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) as the Carmella Gregorie Disability Advocate of the Year at Celebrate: Triangle, Inc.’s Annual Awards Ceremony and Fundraiser. The event was held on May 1 at Olio in Peabody. Accepting the award on behalf of UAP were team members Matthew Mitchell, Terri Koopman and Mariah Fontaine.

Since 2018, UAP has been a generous partner to Triangle, Inc. for Triangle’s annual Beach:Ability event. By providing a dozen floating and sand wheelchairs for the event – along with staff members who help attendees – dozens of Triangle program participants and those living in Triangle’s residential homes have been able to go swimming and access the ocean for the first time in their lives. This event is highly anticipated by those in the Triangle, Inc. community. Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Better Beaches grant program funds the event as part of efforts to make the beach accessible to all members of the community.

“The Universal Access Program embodies the spirit of our annual Disability Advocate of Year Award,” said Triangle, Inc. CEO Rachel Kaprielian. “Thousands of people with a variety of different kinds of disabilities are now able to access adaptive recreation and the beauty of our Commonwealth’s natural environment because of their extraordinary dedication to accessibility and inclusion.”

In addition to its partnership with Triangle, UAP offers accessible and adaptive cycling, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, hiking, ice skating, snowshoeing and skiing and serves thousands of residents with disabilities as well as their families and caregivers.

“DCR’s Universal Access Program is dedicated to ensuring that Massachusetts’s beautiful state park system is accessible and welcoming to visitors of all abilities,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We are grateful to Triangle for honoring UAP’s incredible staff and the work they do every day to provide children, families and residents of all abilities with opportunities to swim, hike, ski, kayak, golf, camp, bike, skate and more. We look forward to continuing to partner with Triangle on creating inclusive outdoor experiences for all.”

The event raised more than $100,000 to help provide services to about 2,960 people with disabilities across Triangle, Inc.’s programs. About 150 attended the event, which included 10 food partners, five bar partners, a live painting by local artist Natalia Mirabito and an auction.

For more information about UAP, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/universal-access-program. For more information about Triangle, Inc., visit https://triangle-inc.org