Download a map of accessible parks in Minnesota. Minnesota is home to many accessible playgrounds which are created to be inclusive for children of all abilities.

Judy Heumann died suddenly on Saturday, March 4. When news of her death broke, the outpouring of respect, love, and awe at what she had achieved in life was and continues to be huge.  She was a much loved and respected advocate for disability rights.

Caregivers provide love, care, and time often at the expense of their own health. February 17 is National Caregivers Day. It’s a time to who appreciate the parental, professional, and volunteer caregivers who assist some of America’s most vulnerable adults and children. Gillette Children's wants caregivers to know they are valued and shares tips to help them take care of themselves.

Gateway Plaza's innovative design provides an integrated parking and office structure, a welcome center, meditation space and an inclusive playground.

The new year is an opportunity to plan for the future and celebrate the accomplishments of the past. In 2022 Gillette Children’s celebrated 125 years of being one of the world’s most respected hospitals treating children with brain, bone, and movement conditions. As we begin 2023, we would like to share some favorite stories highlighting our celebrations from the past year.

Through public events, work with lawmakers, and partnerships with families, Gillette Children’s is helping more children reach their potential and achieve the independence to create their own story. Gillette has been advocating for children for 125 years and as we celebrated a milestone anniversary, we remained committed to our mission.

Gillette Children's is committed to providing access and excellence in health care to all children who need our care.  Gillette’s medical director for Greater Minnesota, Andrea Paulson, MD, says, “It’s critical that all children have access to the expert subspeciality care they need to be able to grow, thrive, and achieve all they can.”

October is bullying prevention month and a time to raise awareness about the harm created by bullies. The Director of Child and Family Services at Gillette Children's says teamwork between parents and teachers is the key to help kids feel safe. He suggests some tips to help parents discern if their child is being bullied or simply being teased.

Join Juan Diego and his team for Gillette Children's 2022 Walk & Roll community and fundraising event on September 24!

Food on a stick, the crowds, and the farm animals are all back this year at the Minnesota State Fair. Gillette Children’s supervisor of therapeutic recreation and music therapy, Tammy Larson, shares tips to make your State Fair visit successful.

On Thursday, June 16, three Gillette Children’s employees were honored as Health Care Heroes. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal hosted the event that put a spotlight on Twin Cities individuals who put innovation, care, dedication and compassion to work to improve the human condition. 

Gillette Children’s has an advocacy team whose mission is to make sure children, especially children with disabilities, are not overlooked as state and national lawmakers create the legislation that shapes our lives.  

Gillette Children's embarked on a project to show the world, especially prospective employees, what makes the hospital special. The project turned into a beautiful community collaboration that celebrates the magic of Gillette.

Nurses are the backbone of care at Gillette Children’s. For 125 years this hospital has served as a pioneer in caring for children with complex brain, bone and movement conditions. Technology and innovation have allowed Gillette Children’s physicians and care teams to unlock so many medical mysteries, but one thing has remained the same – the unique dedication and impact of nurses at Gillette. 

The Paralympic Games are underway in Beijing, China. More than 650 athletes are competing with five Para athletes from Minnesota. These Games are an opportunity to highlight people successfully living with a disability. "Pure Grit," a book from Gillette Children's Healthcare Press, echoes this theme and changes the preconceived notions about what is possible for people who have a disability.

Music therapy helps manage pain, helps a child adjust to a hospital environment, provides positive emotional experiences, and promotes comfort and relaxation.

The 12th Annual Gillette Children's Adaptive Ski Day was an opportunity for children who have disabilities to discover the thrill of downhill skiing. Marcie Ward, MD, is a Gillette pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician and says these adaptive sports events bring joy and can transform children and families.

Self-proclaimed sushi fanatic, and a singer who has performed with Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson says if he was a better test-taker he might not be the new vice president of operations and chief operating officer for Gillette Children's. Thomas Harris, Jr. says his main focus is to make the Gillette experience smooth and enjoyable for families and staff.

The emotional stories, the positive energy and people pulling together for a great cause are all part of this year’s KS95 for Kids Radiothon at the Mall of America on Dec. 10. This on-air radio fundraiser benefits Gillette Children's and M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.