I was disgusted after reading this last night, then I read about this in the paper today and found it on the internet to share with some of you.
The Springs Makes a Splash for Kids with Down Syndrome and Other Special Needs"
Water Park Welcomes Children’s Groups
Mondays, 4-6 p.m. Beginning Oct. 2
Beginning October 2, The Springs Water Park at the Country Springs Hotel invites groups of special needs children to experience the developmental advantages of its many water play areas Mondays from 4-6 p.m. Just in time for October’s Down Syndrome Awareness Month, The Springs has teamed with Down Syndrome of Wisconsin, Inc. to provide discounts for children and their families or therapists.
"Water parks like The Springs are great for disabled children, especially those with Down syndrome and autism," said Robbin Thomas Lyons of Down Syndrome of Wisconsin, Inc. "Children can strengthen muscles all year in the indoor pool and play areas, and the variety of shapes, colors and stimuli can create cognitive, physical and social development opportunities."
Lyons and her daughter Kelly, who has Down syndrome and is batting cancer, began visiting The Springs and the water park extended a special rate for them to invite fellow members of Down Syndrome of Wisconsin to visit every week during the summer. Now, the offer is extended all year, shifting to afternoons to accommodate school-aged children.
The Springs hopes other groups, such as the Milwaukee Center for Independence and the Autism Society of Wisconsin, will participate in the weekly "play dates." Special needs families are invited to experience the water park during an official kick-off party October 2, 4-6 p.m.
"Kelly has found her time at The Springs to be very special," said Lyons. "It’s a time when her siblings are off doing other activities and she gets my undivided attention. And it’s an enjoyable way for her to get physical therapy."
Lyons also noted that The Springs provides opportunities for parents to socialize and discuss raising children with developmental issues.
"Our lifeguards look forward to these days all week," said Nancy Richards, general manager of The Country Springs Hotel. "Our water park is already full of excitement, but you can feel the joy of these children when they arrive every week."
The Country Springs Hotel has a commitment to children’s charities in the Waukesha County area, and conducts a variety of activities throughout the year to give back to those organizations.
I'm currently writing (not emailing) The Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha county (just west of Milwaukee) and thanking them for having this wonderful event for kids with special needs.