Can't people in wheelchairs enjoy the sunshine? Jersey Shore 'Stroll and Rolls' planned

Amanda Chirelli has wanted to plan a gathering for people with disabilities. Being a social butterfly who is wheelchair-bound can feel vexing for her.

So, when her employer, MOCEANS Center for Independent Living, began planning two gatherings it is calling Stroll and Rolls, Chirelli joined the planning process.

“I like to get out in the community,” she said. “I don’t think (people with disabilities) get that enough, where … we can connect with other people with disabilities.”

The hour wellness walks will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, at RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams at 1505 North Bay Ave., Toms River, and at the same time Thursday, June 22, at the Conventional Hall on the Asbury Park Boardwalk at the intersection of Fifth and Ocean avenues.

'Until it affects you' Wheelchair users still battle to make NJ more accessible

Anyone interested in the event is encouraged to RSVP with Susan Mazzeo, director of MOCEANS’ Independent Living program, at susan.mazzeo@moceanscil.org by Thursday, June 1. Mazzeo said, the early RSVP is to coordinate with participants about potential rain dates.

“People who live with a disability are isolated to begin with. And then when you layer in a pandemic, it just doubles the isolation,” Mazzeo said. “So having an event, a social event, (that is) also an opportunity to kind of talk about any issues that may be going on with people seemed like a good solution.”

She said many people she works with crave socialization and MOCEANS is ready to increase its in-person activities.

One of the reasons people with disabilities have fewer opportunities to socialize is because much of the built world did not take their disabilities into account.

Everyone can play Inclusive kickball game at Toms River's Field of Dreams perfect for teachers, students

'Wouldn't have changed it for the world' How amputation led to AMP'D Fitness in Brielle

Mazzeo said just picking a location was a challenge. Joe Palaia Park in Ocean Township seemed ideal with its wheelchair accessibility. But Mazzeo found out that NJ Transit’s paratransit service AccessLink does not drop riders off at the park.

Asbury Park’s Boardwalk was chosen because AccessLink serves the area and the boardwalk is accessible to people using wheelchairs and canes. It also has ADA-accessible bathrooms.

Mazzeo said many people from MOCEANS will be there and participants may be paired up so everyone is included.

“It’s just a really great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and be among your peers,” Mazzeo said.

Chirelli said she has invited a friend who lives outside Monmouth and Ocean counties. She said she hopes she can hear the issues people are facing.

“It’s open to everybody. There’s no cost,” Mazzeo said. “We’re encouraging people of all abilities to come.”

Olivia Liu is a reporter covering transportation, Red Bank and western Monmouth County. She can be reached at oliu@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: 'Stroll and Rolls' chooses Asbury Park for wheelchair accessibility