Burns continues support of special needs children
Speaks at St. Francis University ‘Event to Change Kids’ Lives’
Rep. Frank Burns March 30, 2016 | 11:22 AM
EBENSBURG, March 30 – As special needs children were presented adaptive bikes, strollers and communications devices during a Monday event at St. Francis University in Loretto, state Rep. Frank Burns spoke of his role in securing $245,762 for the Ebensburg Regional Inclusive Playground.
Opened in 2015 at Cambria Elementary School, the regional playground features special equipment designed to give children with physical and cognitive disabilities the chance to play alongside other children. It was built with a Burns-secured grant from the Commonwealth Financing Agency to the Central Cambria Education Foundation.
“Just as I said then that all children should be included on the playground and be able to play together, today I say that all children should be able to enjoy riding a bike, participating in daily activities and using their voice,” Burns said, assessing the purpose of “An Event to Change Kids’ Lives.”
Burns said the purpose of both initiatives is to enable special needs children to fully participate in all the daily activities available to their peers without special needs. He commended the effort, noting, “Many of these adaptive devices are quite expensive, but their value goes beyond a dollar sign. They are helping kids lead more normal lives, and it’s hard to put a price tag on that.”
In addition to St. Francis University, the Mainline Area Special Needs Advocacy Group, AFSCME District Council 83 of Duncansville and Variety Children’s Charity of Pittsburgh participated in Monday’s event and presentation.