A $10,000 grant through Medline’s Community, Action, Resources, Education and Solutions (CARES) program will help build an accessible playground at Kracklauer Park on Seymour Avenue in downtown Mundelein, Illinois.

The new playground—located just two blocks from the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County—offers a variety of features and multi-sensory experiences designed to promote play among all children, especially those with disabilities.

“Not your typical playground,” according to the Mundelein Park & Recreation District, the recreation area will include “specific design structures to allow people in wheelchairs or with other devices to access features.” Once completed, the park will give “children with and without any disability the same platform to play while breaking down barriers, both physically and socially.”

“On behalf of the Mundelein Parks Foundation and Mundelein Park & Recreation District, we wish to express our deep appreciation for the generous support and partnership with Medline Industries,” said Ron Saliski, Mundelein Park & Recreation District executive director. “Medline’s support and contribution to the all-inclusive playground project demonstrates an understanding of the importance of equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This project will significantly impact the lives of countless children and families in our area for years to come.”

An impactful community resource

“Medline is committed to strengthening and supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Karen Frey, senior manager of philanthropy. “The new playground at Kracklauer Park will provide the area with a much-needed and impactful community resource.”

In addition to helping fund the playground at Kracklauer Park, Medline continues to provide year-over-year support for two northern Illinois organizations offering employment, counseling, social, and other programs and assistance for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities: the Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods and TotalLink2Community in Northbrook. Medline also works with Aspiritech, an Evanston-based quality-assurance, accessibility and data services organization, to provide testing for Medline software, including the MedPak app. More than 90% of Aspiritech staff are on the autism spectrum.

July is Disability Pride Month

Throughout July—Disability Pride Month—Medline’s Disability Awareness & Action Alliance Employee Resource Group is sponsoring educational and other activities. Baked goods from Misericordia Sweet Shoppe in Glenview, which provides job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, will be offered at Medline’s Northfield headquarters. Employees also will be able to create cards for seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive assistance and services from Meals on Wheels Chicago. In addition, Medline is hosting two webinars: one on financial planning for individuals and family members with disabilities, and another on how to implement digital accessibility into everyday life.

Learn more about Medline’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.