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involved in soccer, t-ball, and other recreational activities when the pandemics allow. <br />Unfortunately, my son is not able to fully participate or be included in any community <br />park due to his disability. <br /> <br /> <br />What do you plan to contribute to the design of the park? <br /> <br />My mission, passion, and dream is to contribute to designing a space that is fully <br />inclusive for kids/adults of all abilities! I realize this amplifies cost, so we are willing to <br />use our non-profit as a platform to fundraise and give back to our community. People <br />from all over the metro and northern rural communities already come to Kids Abilities for <br />all sorts of pediatric therapy. Pre-pandemic, siblings of kids usually filled the waiting <br />room. How cool would it be to have a place where kids could attend therapy, but go <br />somewhere to play and truly be included?! Given that Hugo is already a “hub” where <br />kids with disabilities come, an inclusive playground would not only benefit our <br />community, but draw people in from all over the metro! <br /> <br />My girls have the luxury of riding their bikes and running to any playground their heart <br />desires. Yet, they long for their brother to be able to participate with them. There’s a big <br />difference between inclusivity and accessibility. Inclusive playgrounds are so much more <br />than a ramp and an adaptive swing. It’s a space that no matter the ability, the person can <br />fully access and participate. The social relationships, confidence, and acceptance that <br />comes with this type of design is invaluable. Inclusive playgrounds aren’t just for kids <br />like my son in a wheelchair- they consider needs of all types of disabilities and people! <br /> <br />Consider: <br />●6.7 million people are school-age children with disabilities <br />●74% of parents believe it’s important for their children to play with a variety of <br />kids, including those with disabilities <br />●7 out of 10 parents strongly agree playground equipment should be designed so <br />all kids can play together <br />●Article 31: Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of <br />cultural, artistic, and other recreational activities <br />●85%+ ; the number of adults with disabilities who report losing their jobs due to <br />lack of social skills <br />●Nearly 40% of grandparents provide care for their grandchildren, 22% care 25+ <br />hours a week <br />●1 in 700 babies are born with down syndrome <br />●1 in 323 children have cerebral palsy <br />●1 in 59 children have autism spectrum disorder <br />●500,000+ troops have been wounded in recent conflicts <br />●5%-16% of kids are affected by sensory processing disorder <br /> <br />This is the type of information and perspective I can offer the design team!