A Swing for All: The Inclusive Swing Project

Mille Lacs County Area DAC proposes to develop an accessible outdoor gathering space centered around the installation of a wheelchair-accessible “We-Go” swing as part of a broader garden and outdoor rehabilitation project at our program site. This initiative is designed to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where adults with disabilities can connect with others, engage with nature, and experience improved emotional wellbeing.

At its core, this project is about fostering connection and belonging. The accessible swing will serve as a focal point within a thoughtfully designed outdoor space that encourages participants to gather, interact, and share experiences. For many of the individuals we serve, opportunities to engage in typical outdoor recreational activities are limited or nonexistent due to physical and environmental barriers. This project directly addresses those barriers by providing a safe, accessible, and inviting space where all participants can fully participate.

The “We-Go” swing is specifically designed to accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs, allowing them to experience the joy and calming motion of swinging without the need to transfer. This seemingly simple activity carries profound benefits. The rhythmic motion of the swing can support sensory regulation, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of calm. When combined with an outdoor garden setting, the experience becomes even more impactful, offering a multi-sensory environment that supports mental and emotional wellbeing.

Beyond individual benefits, the project is intentionally designed to encourage social interaction. The outdoor space will function as a shared gathering area where participants can spend time together, engage in conversation, and build relationships. Staff will incorporate the space into daily programming, using it for group activities, informal gatherings, and opportunities for peer connection. The presence of an accessible swing ensures that individuals of all ability levels can participate alongside one another, reinforcing a sense of inclusion and community.

This project aligns strongly with the Initiative Foundation’s focus on fostering social connection and supporting local belonging. Many of the individuals served by MLCDAC experience social isolation, particularly outside of structured program environments. By creating a space that is both accessible and intentionally designed for interaction, we are addressing a critical need for inclusive community connection.

In addition, the project promotes healing and wellbeing through non-clinical, community-based approaches. Time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, while sensory experiences such as swinging can provide comfort and emotional regulation. The combination of these elements creates an environment where participants can decompress, recharge, and experience moments of joy in a safe and supportive setting.

The broader garden component of the project further enhances its impact. Participants will have opportunities to engage with the space in meaningful ways, including planting, maintaining, and enjoying the garden environment. This fosters a sense of ownership and purpose, allowing individuals to contribute to a shared community space and take pride in its upkeep. Staff and volunteers may also participate, strengthening connections between participants and the broader community.

Importantly, this project is designed to be sustainable and integrated into ongoing programming. The outdoor space will be used daily during appropriate seasons, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond initial implementation. It will become a permanent part of the MLCDAC environment, supporting current participants as well as those who will be served in the future.

Community support is already evident in the development of this project, with funding secured and requested from a variety of local and regional partners. This demonstrates both the need for and the value of creating inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities. Support from the Initiative Foundation will play a key role in bringing this vision to life and ensuring that the space is fully accessible and welcoming to all.

Ultimately, this project is about more than infrastructure—it is about creating opportunities for connection, inclusion, and wellbeing. By investing in an accessible outdoor gathering space, we are investing in the lives of individuals who too often face barriers to participation. This initiative will provide a place where participants can come together, build relationships, and experience a true sense of belonging within their community.