It all started when Morgan’s father saw her trying to play with the other kids while on vacation, but, because of her physical and cognitive disability, the other kids avoided her. So, Gordon and Maggie Hartman decided to give Morgan and kids like her their own amusement park — Morgan’s Wonderland. Recently, they added a new dimension by doing something for the special needs community that had never been done before — creating a waterpark that is completely inclusive and disability-friendly. And Morgan’s Inspiration Island was born.
How do they do it? The rides are all made to be accessible to wheel-chair users, and the park provides waterproof air-powered wheelchairs, which were developed with the help of the University of Pittsburg. Their Rainbow Reef can be adjusted to accommodate those sensitive to cold water, and quiet zones are available for those sensitive to noise.
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Though other waterparks sometimes have accessible sections to their parks, Morgan’s Inspiration Island is the first waterpark to be completely accessible to people with a large range of disabilities. The founders consulted specialists in many fields, from engineering to special education, to make this waterpark a reality. With the right collaboration, they have broken new ground for the special needs community and continue to inspire people to push the boundaries of what others think they are capable of.
According to their website, “It is Morgan’s fervent hope that everyone with a special need– young and older, healthy or ailing, introspective or outgoing– will be touched in a very special way by Morgan’s Wonderland.”
And today we celebrate...