ATTLEBORO - For some area children, autumn could be a little brighter this year, thanks to a grant recently awarded to the Arc of Northern Bristol County.The grant, for $10,000, was awarded to the Arc by the Bubel/Aiken Foundation as part of an effort to implement the foundation's "Let's ALL Play" program.

Promoted as offering "inclusion in recreational programs for all children," the grant will allow area children with developmental disabilities to enjoy recreational opportunities in an inclusive local setting.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has been actively developing the Let's ALL Play program since the foundation was created in 2004 by former American Idol finalist Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, the mother of a then 13-year-old son, Mike, who had been diagnosed with autism.

Today, the foundation supports more than 35 recreational programs across the country, and the Arc is very much looking forward to a little inclusion itself as one of the organizations that will be able to offer the program to area children, according to Arc President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Andrade.

"We are very excited to work with The Bubel/Aiken Foundation to further open The Arc of Northern Bristol County program to children with disabilities," Andrade said. "This will help enable us to give more children the chance to participate in activities they and their families may have never thought possible." The foundation shares Andrade's view, noting that providing the grant to the Arc is another exciting step toward the foundation's goal of full inclusion.

"We feel that partnering with The Arc of Northern Bristol County will help us further our mission to open doors in communities nationwide for children with disabilities to experience everything life has to offer," said Jerry Aiken, executive director of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The foundation strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit at www.bubelaiken.org.

Janette Boulay can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-0993 or by e-mail at janette.boulay@gmail.com.