In the span of less than a month, I’ve written two stories about inclusive projects/events in the Suffolk area.

That makes my heart swell.

The Inclusive Play Project wants to put a playground at Northern Shores Elementary School. This project, if successful, will allow children with all types of disabilities to be able to enjoy the park. It will be inclusive of kids that have learning disabilities, not just physical disabilities.

I think this project is going to be amazing for the community, and I think it can motivate other communities to do the same.

Inclusion is important. Those that don’t need anything different than what is normal don’t understand, but it makes children who use a wheelchair, for example, feel special when they see a playground they can actually use.

Plus, that inclusive playground will be just as much fun as a regular playground to those that will use it, whether they are disabled or not.

Having something like this in Suffolk would be a step in the right direction for the city.

Another inclusive step in the right direction is happening tomorrow at Hub 757.

There is a fashion show, dance and social happening, and the event is for everyone, but it is geared towards being inclusive to those that are disabled.

It’s called Free to Be Me. The name itself is so lovely, and I’m happy that anybody has the chance to do these things. Women and men with disabilities don’t get the chance to always walk down a runaway or dance with friends and family, and this soiree is including something that can make them feel just like everyone else.

I hope that the playground comes to fruition, and I hope that the event goes off without a hitch. Maybe, just maybe, more events like this will happen in Suffolk and Hampton Roads, because not only does it make those with disabilities feel included but also it humanizes those with disabilities to those that don’t understand.

The playground is still in its beginning stages, but I have faith that the city will want an awesome inclusive playground for the kids in Suffolk.