Podcasts about morgan's wonderland

When you think of the word inclusion themeparks aren't first to come to mind but this isn't the case in San Antonio, TX as they have the first ultra accessible themepark Morgan's Wonderland. Don't Burn The Day was able to speak with Nikki Young the edutainment director for Morgan's Wonderland. We spoke about everything that is happening. What it's like to be the first of its kind and much much more. This is an insightful conversation that will hopefully let people in on the exciting things happening with this wonderful organization. For more information you can visit www.morganswonderland.com and the Morgan's Wonderland Inclusion Foundation www.mwif.com 

Join us this week as we sit down with Morgan's Wonderland to hear all about their exciting programs and new project!! SOTX is so excited to have a partner like Morgan's Wonderland who makes out Summer Games possible!!

Morgan's Wonderland the world's first Ultra-Accessible, family fun park located in San Antonio, Texas with speakers Brooke Kearney, Jessica Lizardo, and Danielle Henning led by host Carden Wyckoff Transcript: https://rb.gy/t2r5c1 What is Morgan's Wonderland? Morgan’s Wonderland offers 25 ultra-accessible™ attractions, sprawled across a 25-acre oasis of inclusion. From a wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel to catch-and-release fishing, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy! in 2005 when Gordon Hartman observed his daughter Morgan wanting to play with other vacationing kids at a hotel swimming pool, but the kids were leery of Morgan and didn’t want to interact with her. Then and there, Gordon resolved to create opportunities and places where those with and without disabilities can come together not only for fun but also for a better understanding of one another. That led to the construction of Morgan’s Wonderland in Northeast San Antonio. Doors officially opened in 2010. Today Morgan’s wonderland has expanded into Inspiration island a water park, STRAPS an adaptive and para sports program, Morgan’s Wonderland Camp and more on the horizon. Their mission is to provide a safe, clean and beautiful environment free of physical and economic barriers that all individuals – regardless of age, special need or disability – can come to and enjoy.
 Visit https://www.morganswonderland.com/ for all of their services and programs Episode Highlights Background on Morgan's Wonderland and where it came from How accessibility and disability inclusion has been at the core since day 1. It's their driving force Overview of the amenities of the different parks and how guests with disabilities access the rides Overview of their STRAPs Sports program which is an adaptive sports initiative How they are being a leader in the accessibility space for theme parks Volunteer disability awareness training Overview of their Multi Assistance Center which is a 165,000 square foot building that is a one-stop-shop model that provides medical and non-medical services for individuals with special needs of all ages in one setting and platform Resources: Follow Morgan's Wonderland on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Carden on Instagram @cardenofmilk Find Carden everywhere Special thanks to my producer Jonathan Raz on Fiverr Episode image of a young girl in a wheelchair going thru a water ride smiling and laughing. There is a man behind her leaning down and holding onto the wheelchair also smiling.

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 026 How Our Rare Kids Can Shape Us Molly D'Angelo is sharing her adorable son's story with us who has a rare genetic disorder of obesity. People can be very judgmental and cruel. Rare parents watch their kids struggle so much and we have fear about their futures on a regular basis. We grow a thick skin, but even we are not immune to the ignorance and unkindness we can receive. Stories like Josh's help spread awareness and educate us all to have more compassion and understanding.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Tell us about your family. We're a blended family with three boys. My oldest is almost 16. My middle son is my husband's and our youngest is Josh. Josh, who will be 5 in a few months, has a rare genetic disorder of obesity.  What causes the obesity disorder? Is it a genetic mutation? In rare genetic disorders of obesity, there's a lot of unknowns still. There's a lot of research being done on a lot of syndromes. Currently, we believe we've found Josh's mutation, but he is the only one with that specific variant chance. Because he's the first reported case, things are complex with regards to getting approval from the insurance company and getting services. The condition is related to Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) which is in the rare genetic disorder of obesity family.  After your son was born, when did you realize something was different? We had some idea when I was pregnant that something may have been going on, but we just didn't know what. We had spina bifida come back as a possibility when we did prenatal testing, which planted the seed for us that something might be going on. My husband and I recognized right after birth that Josh was fussy and needed extra care and attention than our other boys did. It wasn't until Josh was about 6-10 months old when I got the doctors to recognize our concerns and start referring us to endocrinology and genetics specialists.  How do you combat human stupidity and general unkindness in looks and comments geared towards you as a parent and also Josh? It took a long time and lots of grace. I recall a time I went to the grocery store with Josh. At the time, he was in a medical grade stroller. I remember an older man approaching me and he used the r-word to describe Josh and relate him with someone in his family. I had to take a deep breath and consider this was someone who may be from a different generation or background than me. I shared that term wasn't one that we used anymore and I explained about Josh. I explained that Josh was very smart, knew his ABC's and 123's, even though he couldn't communicate it as well as other children. I try to use these moments as opportunities to educate. On the flip side of that, we went to the doctor today and as we were checking out, there were three lovely little girls that wanted to embrace him, they said hi and one was showing him her doll and it was so sweet. You have to take it one moment at a time, take it with grace and try to educate as many people as possible. Does Josh also have an autism diagnosis? He does. When he was about 12 months old, we had our first evaluation done. He was diagnosed officially when he was 18 months, which is the earliest marker where you can be diagnosed. The earlier we could get a diagnosis, the earlier we could get intervention and statistics show that the earlier you can get that intervention, the more helpful it is long term for your child. We went to early intervention with our local school district and then we did physical therapy through our state local hospital. Then we ended up at a private center, which is where we are now. They do the ABA, OT, PT and speech all in one location. He goes 5 days per week, only 3 hours per day right now. Eventually, I'm planning on homeschooling.  What are some of Josh's favorite things? Josh is so happy and everything makes him laugh. We didn't know if he was going to be happy because he was fussy for so long, but now he's always happy unless he's feeling sick, tired or something is wrong. He's such a joy. He loves bubbles and watching his dog and brothers run around.  What's Josh's relationship with his brothers like?  His brothers are incredible. We really worried about them and how this was going to affect them. Last year especially, we saw a big shift in coming together as a family and really supporting and taking care of each other. Before that, they stayed out of his way and if he was having a hard time or a bad day, they gave him his space. Now, they just want to be around him as much as possible and Josh looks up to them because they're big brothers and super cool in his eyes. I see a transition in my oldest wanting to help and caregive in a way. Our middle son is the same way in that he's loving and supportive. I believe we were all blessed with Josh's presence in our lives for a reason and those boys, as much as they might miss out on going to the beach or other things people take for granted, they're not missing out and they've been given a whole new experience that's going to shape them into the men they're meant to become one day. What kind of advocate has this made you? I never sought out advocacy, it just happened, which means it's my purpose and must be some type of calling that I'm meant to do. I'm a parent advocate for Josh and I have fallen into a position of being a voice for the rare genetic disorder of obesity, spreading the word in a positive format. We share our story to educate that not all people with obesity sit around and eat all day.  What do you want people to do or say when they meet Josh? When we're out and about, there's always someone who doesn't know how to act or respond. I think a lot of people were taught not to look at people who look different, but we're as a collective whole in the special needs community coming together to let people know to treat everyone how they'd want to be treated. Look at that person and say hello. And if you have questions, feel free to ask if the parent seems receptive. People with special needs are a minority and it's time for inclusion for all people. It's time to accept people for people. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Molly D'Angelo Instagram (@mollyedangelo) https://www.instagram.com/mollyedangelo/ LEAD for Rare Obesity on Facebook (@LEADforRareObesity) https://www.facebook.com/LEADforRareObesity/ Love What Matters on Facebook (@lovewhatreallymatters) https://www.facebook.com/lovewhatreallymatters/ Morgan's Wonderland https://www.morganswonderland.com/ TUNE INTO THE ONCE UPON A GENE PODCAST Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5Htr9lt5vXGG3ac6enxLQ7 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/once-upon-a-gene/id1485249347 Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/once-upon-a-gene Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1485249347/once-upon-a-gene CONNECT WITH EFFIE PARKS Website https://effieparks.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/OnceUponAGene Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onceuponagene.podcast

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 020 Morgan’s Wonderland Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas is one of the most magical places on Earth. It's a shrine of inclusion. They're changing the game in what accessibility and inclusion mean with a theme park designed with disabilities at its core. From young to old, with or without a disability, Morgan's Wonderland is a place to encourage everyone to gain a greater understanding of each other. Nikki and Brooke join me on this episode to talk about Morgan's Wonderland. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What is Morgan's Wonderland? We are the world's first ultra-accessible theme park. Our theme is inclusion. We are fully inclusive and accessible for visitors with special needs. We're an oasis of friendship and a place where people can feel safe.  What is Morgan's Wonderland mission? We are a non-profit and based on the support we get from the community, we're able to offer admission to guests with special needs for free. Since we've opened ten years ago, our park has welcomed approximately 1.8 million guests from all 50 states and 6 other countries.  Tell me who Morgan is and how this magical place came about. Morgan is Gordon and Maggie Hartman's daughter and she was born with special needs. Gordon owned a successful home building business and in 2005 he decided to sell the business and establish the The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. Maggie and Morgan went on a vacation in 2006 and while they were on vacation, Morgan was playing at the hotel swimming pool and wanted to interact and play with the other kids, but they weren't sure how to play with her. At that moment, Gordon and Maggie came up with the idea to establish a place where people with and without special needs could come together for fun and interact together without fear.  Tell me about the park itself. Our completely wheelchair-accessible park is about a $36 million dollar park that features more than 25 elements and attractions, including rides, playgrounds, gardens, fishing lake, event center, amphitheater and Inspiration Island.  How do kids in wheelchairs access the water park? Our water park was designed with everyone in mind. In 2017, we opened the world's first ultra-accessible splash park. There's no submersible water. It's a three acre park comprised of 5 different splash pads with different features with slides and a riverboat adventure. What makes this park revolutionary is that we have a collaboration for the PneuChair, which was created at the University of Pittsburgh, and there's only 11 chairs in the world- we have 10 of them. The chairs are mobile, completely powered by air, they can go in the water and the person can have complete independence throughout the park. Is anyone invited to the park, including those without a disability? All ages, all abilities, whether you're 2, 22 or 82, there's something for everyone and an opportunity to soar. When this park was created, it was not created for people with special needs or disabilities. It was created as a place that can bridge that uncomfortable interaction where people are sometimes unsure what to do. We break down those barriers so everyone can play together regardless of ability. We have so many other initiatives that we're growing and developing that will become a bigger message of inclusion. What have you noticed between the kids learning and playing alongside each other? With our staff, they're seasonal part time and volunteers, both typical and special needs. The individuals with special needs, in a different environment, may not have the opportunity to engage, have fun and make memories with friends, co-workers and guests in the park. Park guests who come on a regular basis as their regular routine, this is the way they have developed socially or physically. This is a place to grow. Talk about employing people with disabilities. We have individuals of different abilities and we find a place for them to succeed. About 30-50% of our employees have special needs. It's important to know that we treat our employees like employees. Someone with special needs is working the same job as someone without a special need, in unison. It's a beautiful thing to watch, to see our employees succeed, grow themselves and also in the understanding of being a contributing member of our society.  What's next for Morgan's Wonderland? Our growth and development isn't slowing down anytime soon. We are developing a sports complex, residential camp venue and multi-assistant center, which will be coordinated healthcare. We have a lot of opportunities to expand, grow, and broaden our message in many ways.  FOLLOW MORGAN’S WONDERLAND Website: https://www.morganswondrland.com/ Facebook: @MorgansWonderland Instagram: @morganswonderlandtexas Twitter: @morganswndrlnd LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Morgan’s Wonderland The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation  PneuChair Unveiled at Water Park TUNE INTO THE ONCE UPON A GENE PODCAST Spotify Apple Podcasts Stitcher Overcast CONNECT WITH EFFIE PARKS Website Twitter Instagram

Global Chamber® San AntonioGlobal Chamber® San Antonio helps members get business done across metro areas!Global Chamber® is a thriving and collaborating community of CEO's, executives, and leaders growing business across 525 metropolitan areas. We leverage technology and our collective networks around the world to help member companies grow, reduce risk, be more productive, and succeed faster.We are the only organization in the world with the mission to grow business from anywhere to anywhere while collaborating with every organization. We help companies, investors and executives around the world succeed across metros and borders.Christopher Herring, Executive DirectorChristopher Herring is the Executive Director for Global Chamber® San Antonio.   He is a decorated combat veteran of the United States Air Force serving his nation as a commissioned officer for over 20 years.  He was inspired by the late Ronald H. Brown, former US Secretary of Commerce, who he escorted on business trips to Los Angeles, to become a future chamber leader, business owner, and ultimately a facilitator of opportunity.Mr. Herring is a past President/CEO of the Alamo City Chamber of Commerce in San Antonio, the United States 7th largest city.   He balanced the needs of corporate partners, small businesses and collegiate student members. Mr. Herring was twice elected and is serving in his last term as the Chairman of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC).   He advocates for over 250,000 businesses and 23 chambers of commerce in the nation's second largest economy with the ultimate goal to help his business members increase overall revenues and sales.During his 20-year United States Air Force career, Mr. Herring was certified as a Workforce Diversity Trainer through the Society of Human Resource Management.   Since 2011, Christopher has served three mayors as the Mayor of San Antonio's appointee to the Small Business Advocacy Committee (SBAC) overseeing the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program subcontracting goals. He was elected as the Chairman of the SBAC's 5-Yr Contracting Diversity Plan Accountability Subcommittee.  Entrepreneurship is a key ingredient of this leader.  He is President and CEO of River Walk Publishing, LLC and Vice President of New Horizons School, LLC in San Antonio, Texas.  He is the founder of Future CEO of America, an initiative to help spur financial literacy among primarily minority youth.Over two year period with University of Texas Austin, Mr. Herring sponsored 50 African business leaders, from 35 different nations, to San Antonio showcasing an international city made up of Rackspace, NBA's San Antonio Spurs, Brooks City Base, Morgan's Wonderland, Geekdome, Alamo Colleges, Bexar County and the City of San Antonio.Reach out to see how we can help at SAT@globalchamber.org  Dr. Krystal K. Nerio Chairwoman of Global Chamber® San Antonio & the CEO of Prosperitus SolutionsAbout the CompanyProsperitus Solutions is an established small business with over 40 years of experience working with federal, state and local government agencies providing human capital. Founded by Dr. Krystal K. Nerio in 2011, our range of workforce solutions and geographic coverage has grown steadily over the years to match the needs of our customers, mainly in the areas of logistical support, medical and professional services.  Our expertise has expanded into an array of consulting solutions, including recruitment, human resource management and credentialing.  Being a Veteran-Owned company, Dr. Nerio has made it a focus to place Veterans and their dependents into the workforce to assist with transition into civilian life.http://www.prosperitussolutions.com/For more episodes visit: www.iamrefocusedradio.comSponsors:Rockafellas Barber Shop San AntonioRico Rodriguez (Owner)www.facebook.com/Rockafellas-Barber-Shop-105026620034718/?ref=page_internal1733 BabcockSan Antonio, Texas 78229Phone: (210) 782-5188ENGAGE! publishes the Christian Community Calendar weekly.www.facebook.com/engagesaProsperitus Solutions is headquartered on the Southwest side of San Antonio, Texas and serving the Department of Defense since 2011. Prosperitus employs more than 100 staff nationwide with footprints in over 8 states.Mission Statement: To attract and ignite talent resulting in prosperous solutions for our customers and community.Our skill-sets cover:• Medical Services• Information Technology• Logistics• Finance• Marketing• Human ResourcesWe have put together a Lean Experienced Corporate staff with one mission, to provide Exceptional Service to our customers and foster long lasting profitable partnerships with our teaming companies.www.prosperitussolutions.com/prosperitusI Am Refocused Podcast Sponsored by River City Donuts1723 Babock Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229I Am Refocused Podcast Sponsored by Bay Bay McClinton of All Sports Speed and Conditioningwww.allsportsfitness.netAll Sports Speed and Conditioning is the top sports performance training gyms in San Antonio, and has produce many collegiate and professional athletes since opening. All Sports was founded in 1997 by Bremond “Bay Bay” McClinton. All Sports is based out of the beautiful city of San Antonio, TX. Having accomplished his own career in professional sports; starting a company like All Sports was a natural transition for him. Bay Bay is a native of San Antonio, TX. His 100 meter dash in High School at Roosevelt High in San Antonio was not broken until recently. In college Bay Bay played opposite the great future hall of famer, Darrell Green. He went on to sign a professional career with the Houston Oilers, Dallas Cowboys and played 7 years in the European Leagues before returning to his home town to finish his career “San Antonio Texans”. In 2006, his company, All Sports administered the strength and conditioning program for the East vs West Shriners’s college senior bowl. In 2008-09, All Sports administered the strength and conditioning program for the Division II college Senior Cactus Bowl All Star game in Kingsville. Today All Sports Speed and Conditioning continues to train athletes to elevate their athletic performance to the next level in all sports.I Am Refocused Podcast Sponsored by D.W. Brooks Funeral Home2950 E. Houston St.San Antonio, TX 78202Email: info@dwbrooksfh.comPhone: 210-223-2045Website: dwbrooksfuneralhome.com

Tina Smith, WellMed Charitable Foundation’s manager of caregiver programs, discusses the new, innovative weekly Memory Matters Meetup at Morgan's Wonderland. The program offers persons living with dementia, fun, inviting and memory maintaining activities at the park, while their loved ones participate in educational and support sessions to learn about Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.

Tina Smith, WellMed Charitable Foundation’s manager of caregiver programs, discusses the new, innovative weekly Memory Matters Meetup at Morgan's Wonderland, with cohosts Carol Zernial and Ron Aaron on Caregiver SOS on Air. The program offers persons living with dementia, fun, inviting and memory maintaining activities at the park, while their loved ones participate in educational and support sessions to learn about Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. A different topic each session. At the end of each session: Both groups come together to learn some stress management techniques. For more on the Memory Matters Meetup go to: www.utcaregivers.org/events/memory-matters-meetup-morgans-wonderland/

Let's Elevate the Conversation! In this Special Extended Edition of SPEDTalk, Pam and John sit down with Ron Morander to discuss his role as the Chief Operating Officer at Morgan's Wonderland. They also had the opportunity to talk with Nikki Young (Edutainment Director) and Allie Smith (Assistant Edutainment Director) about the impact that the Statewide Liaison Project had on the Morgan's Wonderland Community Based Instruction Program. Join us as Ron, Nikki, and Allie elaborate on the mission, vision, and future of Morgan's Wonderland as envisioned by founder Gordon Hartman. Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, TX is the world's first ultra-accessible theme park, with every attraction, store, activity and food location designed and built from the ground up to maximize the inclusion of every guest.  As Morgan's longest tenured employee, Bob McCullough serves as the Communications Director and shares the inspiring stories of how Morgan's Wonderland was developed and constructed, as well as how they have been able to continue to grow since their opening in 2010. This episode is brought to you by FetchRev.  With hundreds of FECs and Attractions across the US and Canada on their platform, FetchRev can increase your foot traffic, book more parties and events, and capture more revenue.  FetchRev’s software collects your customer contact information and then automatically sends out targeted digital promotions to get them back in the door or through your gates.  Their platform can book you up to 50% more birthday parties and even increase your per visit spend through real-time triggered promotions!  FetchRev has an exclusive offer for AttractionPros listeners.  To learn more about this offer, visit fetchrev.com/attractionpros.

When Gordon Hartman saw his daughter, Morgan, struggling to socialize at the pool one day, he set out to find a place where she and others with special needs like her could have fun. When he couldn't find one, he decided to build it for himself. Hartman talks with SUCCESS.com's Shelby Skrhak about the vision behind Morgan's Wonderland, a $36 million San Antonio theme park that welcomes all.

- Your Bucket List Buster special needs edition-great onsite interview with Gordon Hartman founder of Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio..We are doing the show live from this fantastic park –Named after his daughter Morgan who has physical and cognitive challenges.Morgan's Wonderland is an An All Inclusive Theme Park, meaning it has something for everyone, able bodied, and special needs..The Whole family can come and have a great time together. Gordon Hartmen discusses all of the wonderful benefits of this park, his special needs employees and guest and why it was so important for him to build this fantastic place..The only one in the world.Karen talks about her new workshop, Travel Tipsfor CaregiversTraveling by Air, Car, and CruiseChildren with Special Needs© and how you can have her come speak to your family group. Plus our friends at Wireless Traveler give their tips for the week.Want to go on a respite cruise with specialist/staff and AWADAE families join us on March 18th..Go to AWADAE.org and get the details.  Also AWADAE.org has information on the One Love Caribbean Gala to help Caregivers and their families that need support get scholarships for this cruise.Contact Karen at Yourbucketlistbuster@gmail.com for more details.

- Your Bucket List Buster special needs edition-great onsite interview with Gordon Hartman founder of Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio..We are doing the show live from this fantastic park –Named after his daughter Morgan who has physical and cognitive challenges. Morgan's Wonderland is an An All Inclusive Theme Park, meaning it has something for everyone, able bodied, and special needs..The Whole family can come and have a great time together. Gordon Hartmen discusses all of the wonderful benefits of this park, his special needs employees and guest and why it was so important for him to build this fantastic place..The only one in the world. Karen talks about her new workshop, Travel Tips for Caregivers Traveling by Air, Car, and Cruise Children with Special Needs© and how you can have her come speak to your family group.  Plus our friends at Wireless Traveler give their tips for the week. Want to go on a respite cruise with specialist/staff and AWADAE families join us on March 18th..Go to AWADAE.org and get the details.  Also AWADAE.org has information on the One Love Caribbean Gala to help Caregivers and their families that need support get scholarships for this cruise. Contact Karen at Yourbucketlistbuster@gmail.com for more details.

Your Bucket List Buster for EveryoneInclusive TravelDon’t let the fact that someone in your family has special needs like Autism, Down syndrome, Epilepsy or is in a wheel chair keep you from traveling. Theme parks are a big part of fun as a child and adult. Some theme parks are making it their business to keep special needs families in mind. Join us as we talk with Margalit Francus of Autistic Globetrotting as she provides tips on top theme parks that are inclusive for our families with special needs family members.  Margalit has two sons both with Epilepsy and one with Autism.  She’s become an expert in finding travel components that are special needs friendly.Karen and Margalit discuss Disney and Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas.  Margalit shares lots of tips to making it possible for all families to check off their bucket list within the US and even internationally.  Share this episode with all the families you know that want to travel the world..Karen is inspired to do a monthly episode on special needs travel because she founded Adventures with Autism, Down syndrome, and Epilepsy a 501c3 non-profit that provides respite vacations for families with special needs.  AWADAE focuses on the caregivers to provide them an outlet to have positive family experiences while attending workshops and fellowshipping with other parents advocating for their special needs children.