Discover a Fully Accessible Cape Cod Vacation Home for Inclusive Family Getaways
When I first started writing about accessible travel, one of my earliest posts featured a fully accessible Cape Cod vacation home. It sat right on the beach with a zero-barrier entrance, a curbless shower, and even a beach mat so wheelchairs could roll straight into the ocean. What truly amazed me, though, were the bonus amenities: a floating beach wheelchair and a rolling shower chair—features that even many top-tier resorts often overlook.
As a curious (and admittedly nerdy and nosy!) occupational therapist passionate about bringing joy to both home and vacation spaces, I had to find out who was behind this incredible retreat. My search led me to SMILE Mass, a Massachusetts non-profit. Before long, I was on my first pandemic-era Zoom call with its founders—two mothers raising children with disabilities. By the end of that call, I was captivated by their story and their movement. Little did they know how far their mission would reach today.
The SMILE Mass Story
Fifteen years ago, these two moms launched SMILE Mass with a single goal: help children with disabilities experience the same simple joys as their peers. Their very first project? Installing one accessible swing at a local playground. That small act sparked something bigger—the creation of the first universally designed playground in Sudbury, Massachusetts.
Since then, SMILE Mass has blossomed into a regional movement. They’ve inspired other towns to design inclusive play spaces, donated more than 180 floating beach wheelchairs across New England, and now serve over 30,000 families countrywide.
Their newest venture, Club SMILE Mass, offers weekly gym, swim, music, and social programs—a vibrant hub that grew from the seed of one accessible swing. This is more than an organization; it’s a testament to love, persistence, and the belief that every family deserves both joy and inclusion.
From a Single Condo to a Dream Vacation Home
From a Single Condo to a Dream Vacation Home
SMILE Mass’s first accessible rental in nearby Truro was a true “proof of concept.” When coastal erosion forced them to sell, it was a bittersweet goodbye—but also the spark to dream even bigger. They already knew how transformative that first rental had been for families who often find vacation planning stressful or even impossible.
That vision led them to Wellfleet, where they re-imagined and re-designed a fully accessible Cape Cod vacation homefrom the inside out. The result? A larger, rare property that blends classic New England charm with thoughtful, universal design—inviting families to breathe, laugh, and create memories together.
The Wellfleet Accessible Vacation Home
Location: Wellfleet, Cape Cod
VRBO Listing: #4353071
Booking Tip: SMILE Mass strongly encourages guests to join their subscriber list for early VIP booking access. Popular months—especially July and August—often fill within 15 minutes once VIP booking opens, and the entire year typically books before the public can reserve on VRBO.
To inquire about bookings and receive VIP updates, email info@smilemass.org. Joining their list ensures you’ll be notified as soon as VIP booking dates are announced and gives you the best chance to secure your preferred dates before the VRBO calendar goes live.
This spacious retreat sleeps up to 10 guests across three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with accessibility woven into every detail:
- Barrier-free entry with ramps for easy outdoor access
- Wide doorways throughout for smooth wheelchair navigation
- Roll-in shower with no threshold, perfect for direct wheelchair entry
- Adjustable bed to customize height, firmness, and angle for comfort or health needs
- Lift connecting the TV room and main floor
- Smart tables in the kitchen and accessible bedroom
Adaptive equipment on request:
- Portable Hoyer lift
- Shower chair and Rifton bath chair
- Floating beach wheelchair—yes, one that actually goes into the ocean!
The home also features a private 500-sq-ft deck with scenic views, an outdoor shower, and a fenced backyard—ideal for both relaxation and connection.
Getting to Wellfleet
Arriving at this accessible Cape Cod getaway is easier than you might think:
- By car: about a two-hour scenic drive from Boston’s Logan International Airport
- Private shuttle: approximately $300–$500 one-way
- Bus service: $30–$60, followed by a short rideshare or taxi ride into Wellfleet
Whether you rent a car or take public transportation, you’ll find options to suit a variety of budgets and needs.
Why These Rentals Matter
Families caring for someone with a disability often share a common refrain: vacations feel out of reach. Even after combing through rental descriptions, a single unexpected step or missing accessibility feature can derail an entire trip.
SMILE Mass hears this over and over. Their Wellfleet home offers more than wide hallways and roll-in showers—it provides an inclusive welcome, a place where loved ones can truly be on vacation without the constant stress of problem-solving.
It’s not just a rental; it’s a haven of joy and belonging.
For more about SMILE Mass and their mission, visit smilemass.org or email info@smilemass.org.
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