Children with disabilities can sometimes feel left out on the
playground, but some organizations have been working to ensure
inclusive play is part of their lives, since getting outside is an important part of being a kid. According to the National Wildlife Federation, spending time outside raises vitamin D levels, which could protect kids from future bone problems and heart disease.
In Long Branch, New Jersey, kids with disabilities got the opportunity to partake in some fun water activities thanks to the Best Day Foundation, according to the Star-Ledger. The foundation is based in California and works to help children with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
"We have parents tell us 'that one day changed my child's life,'" the organization's cofounder Max Montgomery told the news provider. "It changes the parents' view of what kids with special needs are capable of doing. They say, 'wow, I can take my kid to the beach.'"
The news provider reports the 39 participants got to partake in such activities as surfing, boogie boarding and kayaking. More than 150 volunteers arrived at the scene to help the kids spend their day having fun.