National Inclusion Project Announces Over $700,000 of Support for "Let's All Play"

Raleigh, NC, March 25, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The National Inclusion Project (NIP), co-founded by entertainer Clay Aiken, announces over $700,000 of support to programs nationwide as part of its Let’s ALL Play initiative.

In just three years, the Project has invested over $1.7 million to expand Let’s ALL Play across the country. Let’s ALL Play brings an inclusive recreational experience to children with disabilities by giving them the same experience as children without disabilities. Children with disabilities and their peers without disabilities come together to participate in recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, physical fitness and more. The Project will support over 45 recreational programs in 23 states in 2010.

In 2004, the Project instituted the inclusive recreational experience for children with and without disabilities. Since its inception, the Project has impacted over 20,000 children nationwide. "My son does not have Down syndrome, wear hearing aids, or have difficulty with his speech,” said the mother of a camper. “He is simply a camper."

In 2008, the NIP asked the Center for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston to assess the implementation of Let’s ALL Play. Overwhelming evidence shows that campers with disabilities see improvement in self-esteem, social skills, relationships with campers without disabilities, general engagement in camp activities and sport/motor skills.

The NIP looks to create communities where all children can learn, live and play together.

“Because of the continued support of our volunteers and supporters, the National Inclusion Project gives children the opportunity to experience inclusion for the first time,” said Aiken. “The children's experience will impact generations to come as they increase awareness of the importance of inclusion.”

About the National Inclusion Project

The National Inclusion Project (NIP), formerly The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Project strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. To learn more about the NIP or ways to get involved, visit their Web site at InclusionProject.org.

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