Disabilities Don't Discriminate

About

We break barriers.

Our Story

Over a couple of cups of coffee Meaghan, Lauren and Allison found a common passion - making our communities better! And they realized that collectively they had the passion, drive and skills to make an impact for families in the Omaha area.

Disability does not discriminate - it affects all demographic areas and socioeconomic groups.

But did you know that there are no accessible, inclusive, barrier-free playgrounds west of 84th street in the Omaha area?! This not only impacts a child with a disability from having the opportunity to freely play, but caregivers with disabilities as well. A caregiver should never have to worry about being able to reach their child in a time of need or be excluded from playing with their child simply because the playground was not designed to accommodate their abilities. This issue is about the greater wellness of our communities.

Lauren is a parent of two children, one with spina bifida, who experienced great frustration when she discovered she had to drive almost 30 minutes to find a playground where her children could play together.

Meaghan is an Omaha native whose passion for removing barriers to participation in life developed as a result of her mom’s company, Children’s Respite Care Center. She is now a business owner who focuses her professional efforts on educating about impairment and working to create more inclusive communities.

Allison is a development professional who has dedicated her career to working with non-profit organizations to make positive impacts on services and programs in our communities, and help organizations like Imagine Inclusion fulfill their visions.

So they joined forces and said, “We will give West Omaha a place where everyone can play!”.

Imagine Inclusion’s first project is to create an inclusive, barrier-free oasis at Lake Zorinsky. We have partnered with Omaha Parks and Rec and Outdoor Recreation to create a playground like no other in our area! Because the result will benefit every park goer, we believe the generosity of Omaha businesses, individuals and foundations will rally around us to make this vision a reality!

Thank you for supporting Imagine Inclusion as we work to make our community more inclusive for all! We look forward to having you along on our journey.

Meaghan, Lauren and Allison

 

Our Board

  • Meaghan Walls- Co-Executive Director

  • Lauren Citro - Treasurer

  • Darren Deffley- Secretary

  • Nancy Berg

  • Alison Corson-Brown

  • John Goodin

  • Paula Hazen

Contact Us

Our Mission

To provide education, training and consultation that supports and offers projects and programs that have a wide impact to benefit the members of our communities through increased awareness, and improved inclusiveness and accessibility opportunities.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Creating inclusive spaces that promote and value diversity, is at the heart of our mission. We believe that children of all abilities should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the park experience with their friends and families. Spaces that allow people of different ages, races, gender identity, physical or mental ability and ethnicity, to convene and interact with one another within a welcoming outdoor space, fosters the understanding and appreciation of our differences.

 

This map shows the location of playgrounds in Omaha that are accessible and inclusive. There is an accessible and inclusive playground desert west of 84th Street. Imagine Inclusion is working to change that by building an accessible and inclusive playground at Zorinsky Lake.