Politics & Government

West Deptford Gets State Grant to Help Kids with Disabilities

The township will use $7,500 to help increase access at RiverWinds.

Special-needs children will have an easier time getting involved in recreational opportunities at , thanks to a $7,500 state grant announced by 3rd District legislators Wednesday.

The Department of Community Affairs’ Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities grant program provided a total of $12,000 to Gloucester County, with the remaining $4,500 going to Clayton for an integrated summer program.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney credited the two towns for taking steps to creative an inclusive environment via the grant.

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“Every child deserves the chance to get out and play with their peers, and to prove that a physical or developmental disability is no roadblock to having fun,” Sweeney said.

Assemblywoman Celeste Riley, a teacher herself, said by doing more to include special-needs children, West Deptford and Clayton are also providing valuable lessons for their peers.

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“Children who learn early on that individuals with disabilities are in so many ways just like them will grow up to be adults who recognize the value in every person,” said Riley.


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