Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration

Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration Creating social inclusion for children with disabilities through the vehicle of inclusive playgrounds and programs.

Creating play, dignity and social connection for children with disabilities through inclusive playgrounds and education programs that unite children of all abilities.

Twenty-five years later, we remember.Today, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and hold in our hearts the fa...
09/11/2026

Twenty-five years later, we remember.

Today, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and hold in our hearts the families and loved ones whose lives were forever changed. We also remember the extraordinary courage of the first responders and everyday people who stepped forward to help others in a moment of unimaginable tragedy.

At Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration, our work is rooted in bringing people together, building community, and creating a world where everyone belongs. On this solemn anniversary, we are reminded of the strength found in compassion, connection, and caring for one another.

May we never forget those we lost, those who served, and the importance of building a kinder, more united world.

Forever in our hearts.

Through our Together We Are Able field trips, students are paired as buddies and given the opportunity to learn, play, a...
09/10/2026

Through our Together We Are Able field trips, students are paired as buddies and given the opportunity to learn, play, and connect with one another. And sometimes, those buddy connections grow into something even more special: pen pals.

One of those letters recently touched our hearts:

Dear D’ari,

I am so happy that I got to go to Aidan’s Place with you and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. It was really nice meeting you and I hope to do it again. You are so sweet and loving and warm everybody’s heart when you are nearby. You are a great musician and I can’t wait to see what you do when you get older because of how bright you are. Thank you for being my buddy and the best buddy.

From,
Noam

Sometimes, a field trip doesn’t end when the bus leaves. Sometimes, it starts a friendship.



Image Description: A child's handwritten note on lined paper reads, ""Thank you for being my buddy and the best buddy. From, Noam."" Below, a marker drawing shows two smiling figures holding hands—one in a blue shirt raising a mallet, and one with pigtails—standing between a yellow playground music panel and a wheelchair.

09/10/2026

Sometimes, inclusion crosses the finish line in the most unexpected ways—and this time, it crossed first!

We are thrilled to share that Inclusion Matters, the racehorse named by our longtime friend and founding supporter Rick Kessler, won Race 5 at Emerald Downs on August 30! Competing in a Maiden Special Weight with a $23,000 purse, Inclusion Matters came around the turn, headed for home, and crossed the finish line for the win.

What began as Rick’s unique way of carrying our name and mission into the horse racing community now has its first victory!

Congratulations, Rick, and thank you for continuing to champion Inclusion Matters in such a memorable way. We’ll be cheering from Los Angeles as Inclusion Matters races on!

09/09/2026

WHY WE WALK: NOAH’S KNIGHTS OF INCLUSION

For Eileen Chavez, inclusive playgrounds mean so much more than a place to play. They give her son Noah the opportunity to be included, connect with others, and simply be a kid alongside his peers.

That’s why Eileen and Noah walk — and why Noah’s Knights of Inclusion are once again joining our 29th Annual Once Upon a Run, Walk & Roll!

Join Noah’s Knights of Inclusion or rally your own kingdom and create a team of family, friends, and colleagues.

Can’t join us? You can still be part of the story! Donate to Noah’s team or another participant. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us build a more inclusive kingdom where children of ALL abilities can play together.

Sunday, September 27
Shane’s Inspiration Playground • Griffith Park
Event begins at 7:00 a.m.

Join or support Noah’s Knights of Inclusion: bit.ly/noahsknights
Create your own team or support another: bit.ly/rwr2026

👑 TUESDAY MORNING LEADERBOARD! 👑 Our royal court is growing, and these incredible fundraisers are leading the charge! 💜✨...
09/08/2026

👑 TUESDAY MORNING LEADERBOARD! 👑

Our royal court is growing, and these incredible fundraisers are leading the charge! 💜✨

🏆 TOP 10 INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERS

1. Valerie Hambas
2. Candace Weisz
3. Marci Moran
4. Scott Williams
5. Mark Demos
6. Steve Bloom
7. Robert Zagon & The Floor Center
8. Helen Hambas
9. Rachael Clark
10. Carol Kurz

And a royal round of applause for our Top Fundraising Teams! 👏👑

🏰 The Hambones\
🏰 Medieval Morans\
🏰 The Crowe That Laid the Golden Egg\
🏰 Team NCIS\
🏰 Wagon Wheel Walkers\
🏰 Frandzel’s Court\
🏰 Team Adina\
🏰 Preferred Bank\
🏰 Helen’s Inclusion Heroes\
🏰 Noah’s Knights of Inclusion

Thank you for rallying your kingdoms, spreading the word, and making a difference! Your dedication is helping make **Once Upon a Run, Walk & Roll** a truly magical day. 💫

✨ It’s not too late to gather your kingdom! Sign up today at bit.ly/rwr2026.

📅 Sunday, September 27
⏰ 7:00 AM
📍 Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Join this royal court of fundraisers and help us create a more inclusive kingdom for all! 👑💜

Happy Labor Day!Today, we celebrate the hands and hearts behind the work that builds stronger, more inclusive communitie...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

Today, we celebrate the hands and hearts behind the work that builds stronger, more inclusive communities.

From playground designers and construction crews to educators, park staff, volunteers, caregivers, and advocates, we’re grateful for everyone whose work helps create places where every child can play and belong.

Playground Passport: Lincoln ParkOur Playground Passport is heading back to 2004!Lincoln Park in East Los Angeles was th...
09/07/2026

Playground Passport: Lincoln Park

Our Playground Passport is heading back to 2004!

Lincoln Park in East Los Angeles was the 5th inclusive playground built by Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration—and more than 20 years ago, it was already demonstrating that inclusive design goes far beyond physical access.

Features like raised sand tables and accessible play panels brought activities within reach for children with mobility disabilities, while elements like the sensory slide and curvy balance beam offered different kinds of sensory and movement experiences.

That matters because some children with autism and other developmental disabilities experience differences in sensory processing, balance, coordination, and body awareness. An inclusive playground considers these needs, too—creating different ways to move, explore, engage, and play.

From the beginning, our goal has never been simply to get children onto the playground. It’s to give every child meaningful ways to participate once they’re there.

Play belongs to everyone. Period.Because every child deserves a place to play, connect, and belong.
09/06/2026

Play belongs to everyone. Period.

Because every child deserves a place to play, connect, and belong.

09/04/2026

Music Connects Us.

Music has a way of bringing kids together—no words required.

From chimes and bells to drums and rhythm panels, musical play gives children of all abilities another way to express themselves, explore cause and effect, and connect with the kids around them. One child can start a beat, another can answer, and suddenly they’re making music together.

For children who communicate differently, music can be especially powerful. There’s no right way to participate—you can tap, listen, imitate, create, or simply feel the rhythm.

That’s why musical elements are such an important part of our inclusive playgrounds. They invite children to interact, respond to one another, and discover a shared language through play.

**Different rhythms. Different abilities. One playground. Music connects us.**

A royal THANK YOU to Wells Fargo, our Presenting Sponsor of the 29th Annual Once Upon a Run, Walk & Roll! 👑We are incred...
09/03/2026

A royal THANK YOU to Wells Fargo, our Presenting Sponsor of the 29th Annual Once Upon a Run, Walk & Roll! 👑

We are incredibly grateful for their generous support and commitment to helping us create a more inclusive world for children with disabilities. Special thanks to our Board Vice President, Kurt Marsden, for championing our mission and helping secure this wonderful gift!

Want to join Wells Fargo in helping us write the next chapter of inclusion? Become a sponsor and help bring the magic of play to children of ALL abilities.

Join us Sunday, September 27, at Shane’s Inspiration Playground in Griffith Park.

🏰 Become part of our story: bit.ly/rwr2026

Address

15213 Burbank Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
91411

Telephone

+18189885676

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