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Our daughter, Mary
Grace has a rare neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome,
which significantly affects her ability to function
as others do. She needs assistance in almost every aspect
of her life. She is dependent on a wheel chair for mobility
and uses switch devices and eye gazes to communicate
her wants and needs to others. It is a rare occasion
for Mary Grace to participate with her peers or her
older sister, Lauren. It excites our whole family to
think about the possibilities and opportunities Operation
Hope playgrounds will bring to us. Lauren (her sister)
summed it up by saying “an accessible playground
would be so Wonderful! People like Mary Grace can have
fun with their sisters (or siblings) and friends and
not just have to watch everyone else have fun!”
Mary Grace is a beautiful, smart girl and a member of
the Hanover community – She deserves the opportunity
to have fun like other children!
~ Debra Halloway
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My daughter Stella
is an 8 year old second grade student who is hopeful
that a playground will soon be built so that she can
play with her friend Reily.
Reily is also an 8 year old second
grade student who has never been able to do more than
watch the other children play on the swings, slides,
etc. due to a disability that severely limits her mobility
and ability to communicate.
Physical and communication limitations
do not reduce a child’s desire to play. The enjoyment
that is gained from playing on a playground is life
giving. An accessible playground will allow special
needs children and typically developing children a place
to develop friendships. Stella and Reily’s friendship
is special but not unique. Stella and Reily are just
two of many children and families who would benefit
from an accessible playground where their relationship
can be fostered and valued.
We appreciate the support of this community
for all kids.
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Julius is five years
old and has been diagnosed with PDD (Pervasive Disability
Disorder). He has some spectrum of Autism and a sensory
dysfunction. Julius constantly seeks constant impact,
like jumping, to stimulate his joints. Stimulating Julius’s
sensory system allows him to focus and function better.
Because of Julius’s needs, the places we go to
are limited. Having a handicap-accessible playground/park
is a place where we can spend quality time as a family,
while Julius stills gets the O.T. (occupational therapy)
he needs.
“A handicap playground/park is
a place where we can meet our son at his level, while
still meeting his other needs. It allows us to look
beyond the disability and really enjoy the blessing
of having him.”
~ Iris
Mechanicsville,Va.
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Our family will be tremendously
grateful to have a playground that meets the needs of
all children! We are so excited to be apart of the Operation
Hope Project. We believe that it will bring joy to many
families in Hanover. Our son, Jackson, is a very happy
and busy three year-old who loves to be outside. He
has Global Developmental Delays, which for Jackson that
means he is behind in almost all of his skills, he is
not talking or independently walking. Jackson is not
able to stabilize himself in a regular swing and the
toddler swings with straps may become too small for
him. Jackson also loves to slide but in most cases he
cannot climb the obstacles that lead up to the slide.
We are thrilled to know that soon a playground could
be built with special needs children, like Jackson,
in mind. Knowing he will be able to play alongside his
friends with little or no obstacles gives us a great
sense of security and peace of mind. Thanks to all of
those who are working to make this a reality for us!
~ Kevin & Rebecca Randolph
Mechanicsville, VA
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