Play Your Way!

Thanks to everyone who joined the 2023 Fair Play for All campaign to celebrate all the different ways we play and have fun.

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• How to Win
• How It Started
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Over 6.7 million kids in the United States have some form of a disability. That’s almost 7 million kids who see traditional playgrounds as insurmountable barriers. And it’s not just the kids. Family members who are aging or have disabilities also have a hard time joining their kids in having fun. And with few inclusive playgrounds around the country, this leaves countless kids and their families on the sidelines when it’s time for fun.

Wondering why Fair Play for All is important to GT?

That’s because GT is not just an FMS or payroll company. We’re also passionate advocates for people with disabilities–because we’re owned and operated by people with disabilities and their families.

We look forward to the day that every playground is inclusive. Until then, we want to thank everyone who joined us in getting outdoors and celebrating the different ways we all play!

June 5 through June 28, we explored what playing your way means with videos on our Facebook page.

Thanks again to everyone who joined in the fun for an automatic entry into our weekly prize drawing for an accessible swing. There was a winner announced each week. And at the end of June, a grand prize winner won a trip to Morgan’s Wonderland along with three guests of their choice. (One of the most inclusive theme parks in America.) Congrats, Jenn and Alan!

• Official Rules, Terms, and Conditions
  1. Eligibility: This Campaign is open only to those who reply to the specified posts on Facebook that meet the guidelines stated in the Official Rules and who are at least 18 years of age as of the date of entry. The Campaign is only open to legal residents of the United States and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of GT Independence, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Campaign. The Campaign is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. 
      
  2. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. 
      
  3. Being selected as a winner does not constitute an endorsement from GT Independence. 
      
  4. Campaign Period: The campaign will go live June 5, 2023. A pinned post will be shared on GT’s Facebook June 5, 2023. The contest closes at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, June 25, 2023. 
      
  5. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of GT Independence as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign. 
      
  6. How to Enter: The Campaign must be entered by commenting with a photo of You “playing your way” on the pinned campaign post on GT’s Facebook page. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate, or the age of majority in their state, as required by law.
       
  7. Limitations on Entries: You may enter only once. You must provide the information requested. You may not enter more times than indicated by using multiple email addresses, identities, or devices in an attempt to circumvent the rules. If You use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your entry may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of GT Independence.

  8. Prizes and Prizes Conditions: There will be three
     • (3) Prizes, one per week, will be awarded on June 7, June 14, and June 21, 2023. The Prize Winner, upon confirmation of eligibility, will receive the inclusive swing SereneLife Web Chair Swing 35.5″ Inch Hanging Netted Seat Kids Indoor Outdoor Yard Round Circle Saucer Swing for Trees or Swing Sets – All Season UV Resistant Rope Net Swing. The total Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of Prize is $225; and
     • One (1) Grand Prize awarded on Tuesday, June 28, 2023. The Grand Prize Winner, upon confirmation of eligibility, will receive a vacation package for a family of four to Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island in San Antonio, Texas, during a date of the Winner’s choice. Winner must complete the trip within one (1) year from the drawing date or prize will be forfeited. Prize includes one room (double occupancy) for three nights, at San Antonio’s Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which is 2 miles from Morgan’s Wonderland. Four (4), one-day passes will be provided for both Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island, and up to $2,000 towards air or ground transportation from the winner’s home to San Antonio, Texas. Travel and accommodations are subject to availability and blackout dates. The Winner is responsible for obtaining and providing receipts for all travel purchases to be reimbursed by GT Independence. The Winner will be required to provide a valid credit card to hotel to cover incidentals which are not included in Grand Prize package. The Winner and travel guests must travel on same itinerary. The Winner and travel guests must sign and return a travel release before receiving the Grand Prize. The Winner and guests must have all necessary identification and/or travel documents (i.e., valid U.S. driver’s license) required for travel. The Winner understands there are inherent risks involved in travel and these risks may be present before, during, and after the trip. The Winner agrees to accept the Grand Prize “as is” and entrants hereby acknowledge that GT Independence is not in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee relative to the Grand Prize, including warranties provided exclusively by a prize supplier.  All expenses and incidental travel costs not expressly stated in the package description above, including personal charges at lodging, telecommunication charges, security fees, other expenses or incidentals are not included and are the responsibility solely of the Winner. Restrictions, conditions and limitations may apply.  The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the Grand Prize is $2,446. Total ARV of all prizes to be awarded is $2,671.
       
  9. Prize Restrictions: There is a limit of one (1) Prize per person/household. The Prizes are not redeemable for cash. No substitution, assignment or transfer of the prizes is permitted, except by GT Independence, who reserves the right to substitute the Prize or Prize component with another of equal or greater value. Winner is responsible for any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes and fees associated with Prize receipt and/or use. The Winner must provide GT Independence with a valid Social Security number or taxpayer identification number before prize will be awarded. A form 1099 will be issued to Grand Prize winner. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for GT Independence to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, including participation in video interviews, unless prohibited by law.  
      
  10. Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

  11. Winner Selection and Notification:
      • Prizes: On or around June 7, June 14, and June 21, 2023, GT Independence will conduct a random drawing at GT Independence’s offices located at 215 Broadus Street, Sturgis, MI 49091.from all eligible entries received throughout the campaign period to select three (3) potential winners for the SereneLife Web Chair Swing. Winners will be  contacted via social media (Facebook) within five (5) days following selection of Winner to exchange email contact. Winners will then be contacted via email with further instructions. GT Independence shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk email, or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. Prizes will be shipped within 4 to 6 weeks from the drawing date via the United States Postal Service to the address on file with GT Independence to the address supplied at the time of entry. In the event the Prize is returned, the address is insufficient or incomplete for shipping purposes, or undeliverable for any reason, the Prize winner will be disqualified and an alternate Prize winner will be selected from the remaining eligible entries received. If the alternate Prize winner’s Prize is returned, the address is insufficient or incomplete for shipping purposes, or undeliverable for any reason, the alternate Prize winner will be disqualified and the Prize will not be awarded. No compensation will be provided for any prizes that are not able to be awarded to a prize winner.
      • Grand Prize: On or around June 28, 2023, GT Independence will conduct a random drawing from all eligible entries received throughout the campaign period to select one (1) potential winner for the Grand Prize. Winner will be contacted via social media (Facebook) within five (5) days following selection of Winner to exchange email contact. Winners will then be contacted via email with further instructions. GT Independence shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk email, or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 5 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeit and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Campaign is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
      • ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY WINNER (AT GT INDEPENDENCE’S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED. 
         
  12. Rights Granted by You: By entering. You understand and agree that GT Independence, anyone acting on behalf of GT Independence, and GT Independence’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Campaign, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.  
       
  13. Terms & Conditions: GT Independence reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Campaign should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond GT Independence’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Campaign. In such case, GT Independence may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by GT Independence. GT Independence reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Campaign or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. GT Independence has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Campaign, to void votes for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple entries from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple entries from the same computer in excess of that allowed by Campaign rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Campaign may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, GT Independence reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law. 
       
  14. Limitation of Liability: By entering, You agree to release and hold harmless GT Independence and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Campaign and/or his/her/their acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries. 
       
  15. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of GT Independence as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign. 
       
  16. Disputes: THIS CAMPAIGN IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND MICHIGAN, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Campaign, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Campaign, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in Michigan having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e., costs associated with entering this Campaign). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.
        
  17. Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the GT Independence website. To read the Privacy Policy, click here.  
        
  18. Winners List: To obtain a copy of the Winner’s name or a copy of these Official Rules, mail your request along with a self-addressed envelope to: GT Independence, 215 Broadus St., Sturgis, MI 49091. Requests must be received no later than August 31, 2023.
        
  19. The Campaign hosted by GT Independence is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. By entering an eligible entry into the contest via Facebook, You, the Contestant, have affirmatively reviewed, accepted, and agreed to all the Official Rules.  

How Fair Play for All Got Started

Fair Play for All began with Holly Carmichael, CEO of GT Independence, and her daughter Maggie.

A few years ago, there was not a single ADA-compliant playground in St. Joseph County, Michigan. Maggie has a rare disease called PMM2-CDG. And to play, she had to get out of her wheelchair and onto wood chips during recess. She would then come home with splinters. She also couldn’t access any of the swings or slides.

Holly stepped up and spoke with the local school board about building a playground. One that all children could enjoy. After three years of studying, reading, summarizing research, and citing resources to the school district, Holly became an accessible, inclusive playground designer.

She designed the first ADA-compliant playground in St. Joseph County. A place for Maggie and everyone in the community to enjoy.

Why does Fair Play for All focus on inclusive play?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. It’s an incredible act that protects the civil rights of all people with disabilities.

July 26, 2023, marks the 33rd anniversary of this landmark legislation. It’s done so much for people with disabilities across the U.S. But while there is a lot to celebrate, there’s also an opportunity for doing even more. This includes further education on the importance of inclusion. Particularly for kids and their families.

According to the most recent U.S. Census, nearly one in five people have a disability. And 13% of children enrolled in public school (about 6.7 million) receive special education services.

Despite this, most playgrounds aren’t designed so kids or their family members with disabilities can safely have fun. It’s time to change that—everyone can play their way.

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