Every child deserves to play.
But children with special needs face unique challenges, especially around accessibility and safety, that limit their opportunities. These disadvantages can dramatically shape children’s lives, interfering with their learning and development.
Amerigroup Texas is committed to ensuring that children with special needs have opportunities to learn and grow, so we’re investing in resources for them — inside and outside the classroom.
Through a partnership with the Grand Prairie Independent School District (GPISD), Amerigroup funded a new turf installation on a ropes course at the district’s RISE facility. The installation will make it easier for children with special needs to play and participate in experiential learning.
The district opened the ropes course turf installation at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this spring. The opening was covered by Spectrum News in Dallas.
“We are appreciative to Amerigroup for supporting our mission at RISE. This upgrade to our ropes course will give more students the ability to participate, learn, and improve their postsecondary outcomes.”
Rodney Traylor, Executive Director, RISE
RISE extends the classroom to support middle-school and high-school students with disabilities. The facility helps students develop employment, independent living, fine arts, sensory, and motor skills.
With the turf installation, GPISD students entering the ropes course by wheelchair can access it more easily. The turf also reduces mud that accumulates after rainstorms.
It’s part of Amerigroup’s mission to improve lives and communities — and to find innovative investments and partnerships to do it. Investments in programs such as GPISD’s RISE facility redefine health in ways that will help students get healthy and stay healthy well into adulthood.
“Amerigroup is committed to health equity, and we’re passionate about providing the supports communities need to improve lives,” said Greg Thompson, President of Amerigroup Texas. “We are grateful to our partners at Grand Prairie ISD for the opportunity to play a role in helping students with disabilities to overcome barriers, so they can equally enjoy a better quality of life.”