Minneapolis, MN – Jan 19, 2024 – Special Olympics Minnesota and Minneapolis Public Schools hosted a ribbon cutting celebration event to unveil a new fleet of adaptive vehicles aimed at offering children with significant mobility impairment a means of mobility. These vehicles enable children who require extra support to move independently, fostering inclusivity and facilitating their participation in movement activities, play and socialization with their peers.
The event took place from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM on January 19, 2024 at Lucy Craft Laney at Cleveland Park Community School.
For the past eight years, SOMN and MPS have collaborated to champion accessibility and inclusion for students in the district. This project marks a new milestone in the partnership with the introduction of a fleet of specially designed adaptive vehicles, dedicated to providing full mobility for young learners with disabilities.
The innovative vehicles are tailored-made by volunteers at the Adaptive Technology Center to cater to the unique needs of children who require additional support to move independently. Richard Parnell, the head volunteer on this project, spent about 200 volunteer hours on each car, handmaking every detail to be completely adaptable. They vehicles help foster inclusivity and facilitating the active participation of children in movement activities, play and socialization with their peers.
The ribbon-cutting celebration marks a significant achievement in the ongoing commitment of SOMN and MPS to create an inclusive environment within Minneapolis Public Schools. This heartwarming project is not only a testament to the organizations’ dedication but also a symbol of progress in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for students with mobility impairments.
For more information, please contact Katie Howlett at [email protected].
About Special Olympics Minnesota
Since 1973, Special Olympics Minnesota has been creating a new world of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports competitions, inclusive healthcare programs, leadership training, and inclusive school programs. Special Olympics Minnesota envisions a Minnesota where every person, regardless of their ability, has every opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
