Children with higher self-esteem are more likely to achieve their personal and academic goals and enjoy positive relationships with parents and peers. Playgrounds in parks, schoolyards and other public places are trusted public spaces. Your email address will not be published. Think back to some of your favorite childhood memories. Equipment that can make a playground more accessible includes: Playground accessibility provides children with disabilities the chance to play with their friends more easily. Inclusive playgrounds and sensory playgrounds are essentially the same thing. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design were implemented in 2010, and playgrounds must comply with these guidelines. KITs goal is to foster a culture of inclusion in classrooms, playgrounds, schools, and childcare centers. Unfortunately,many children are unable to reap the benefits of play or engage in the activity due to the nature of most parks and playgrounds across the country. What is the importance of such inclusion for playgrounds? Inclusive playgrounds also focus a lot on the safety of the children that play there, which is a big priority, especially in the case of differently-abled children who need specialized equipment to ensure their safety. #MixInImagination, It is Prevent Child Abuse Americas 50th Anniversary, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Stunt Scooter for Your Kid, 3 Tips to Get Your Family to the Breakfast Table + A Great Deal on Big G Cereal #BigGBreakfast, Back to Nature: Outdoor Hobbies for Kids To Try This Summer. Make sure to give these children a more peaceful spot to retreat to if they become overwhelmed or anxious by their surroundings. Inclusive playgrounds offer tremendous benefits to kids, families and the entire community. KOMPAN | How to design inclusive playgrounds for all The ADA requires that playgrounds built after 1993 be accessible to children with disabilities. Today, many communities tout their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and with good reason. Cognitive Development. So,it often comes down tothisburning question:My loved onedoesntqualify forMedicaid, buttheycantaffordprivate carewhat do I do? "@type": "WebPage", 53% of children with special needs lack friendships and part of the problem is that their disability excludes them from certain activities. Perhaps still, a run through the tracks? Lets talk about inclusion! By making playgrounds inclusive it solves this problem because children of all abilities can play together. Doing this means educating ourselves and promoting the spirit of inclusion everywhere, from weekend get-togethers to city council meetings. Another consideration when it comes to senses and inclusivity is wayfinding. Lets quickly talk about the difference between ADA-compliant and inclusive. . Each body system can benefit from regular exercise, from the circulatory system to the cardiovascular system. In addition to the fun of spinning or bouncing, these activities are made more fun by the social element they involve. Why are Inclusive Playgrounds important? Parents in this study also confirmed that their children had low self-esteem. Home Value and Benefits of Inclusive Play Inclusion Matters Communities are diverse. Engaging: Is the playground engaging, considering factors such as color, sound, texture, movement, and versatility? With increasing awareness campaigns on inclusion and accessibility for all kids, the tools to create inclusive playgrounds are usually just a click or an online training program away. Allowing your child to participate in inclusive playground activities helps them learn to accept everyone around them, which will be an important value in their adult life. Some reasons why a playground may remain unchanged for decades include: unrealistically high expectations from a town or city's government when it comes to how much money or effort it would take to make it accessible, the feeling that a playground is accessible enough because someone in a wheelchair could get from the parking lot to the edge of . What does this mean in practical terms? Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Reflecting on Freedom for All in the Disability Community, Hitting Inclusion Out of the Park with the Beautiful Lives Project & Triple Crown Sports , Ready, Set, Summer: A Must-Have Inclusion Resource for the Future of Summer Camps, 4 Ways to Build Inclusive Sports and Recreation Programs for Children with Disabilities, How To Create A Safe Space For Kids With Autism In Your Program, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2023: Supporting Kids With Developmental Disabilities, Dispelling 11 Common Myths About Kids with Disabilities. These are questions I never imagined thinking about with my oldest son, but they are the never-ending thoughts a parent of children with disabilities has. There may be a sandbox and drinking fountains. Even though playgrounds have one of the highest rates of inspection and attention to safety of any . The Exploration Park is just one of many features Union Park offers to promote inclusive play and provide enriching opportunities for children of all ability levels. Swings next to benches so that an adult can sit and swing with a child who cannot swing on their own. Additionally, number or alphabet boards are a fun way to incorporate learning into play. "These children are our future, and we must provide them with all possible resources to be successful, and that includes equitable community spaces." From comprehensive onsite professional training to ongoing support, including on-demand online courses and webinars, KIT is your onsite, online, ongoing resource for providing inclusive practices and solutions. The Role of Playgrounds in Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Including ramps and rails as necessary or using ground level play events. You can also learn more about the contest here. In addition to race, there are other important forms of diversity, including ability diversity. Anything from a physical disability to a learning disability that makes a child feel different from their peers can cause them to internalize negative thoughts about themselves. Inclusive playgrounds encourage play, which leads to a mutual understanding, friendships, and a true feeling of community. }, Playgrounds should be too. Play is so essential for child development around the world that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights recognizes it as a right of every child. There are several reasons to take your child to an inclusive playground. Why Is Accessible Play Equipment Important? - The Chicago Lighthouse It doesnt matter which nation or background the child has come from; play is significant for the complete development of a child. A wide range of design elements should be included in a play space so all children can interact the structures and other children. Its vital for all children to take full advantage of the benefits of inclusive play. YouTube It's become increasingly crucial that community parks and playgrounds be as accessible and inclusive as possible. Want to find an Inclusive Playground close to you? Modified climbing frames for blind/partially sighted children. Accessibility is part of the equation . Kids learn how to make friendships by working together and helping one another. One in every 5 members of our community has a visible or invisible disability, including aging people and the visually impaired. The cognitive and social benefits of play should inform the playground designs, with the needs of all considered. There are many ways to foster community engagement, but one of the best is having an outdoor recreation space that is made for inclusive play. Considerable thought and planning need to happen to create these unique spaces, and every effort should be made to incorporate several key elements: Its up to usas communitiesto require inclusion as a necessity for our playgrounds. Which is what makesLandscape Structures Inclusive playgrounds so special to my heart. Even playgrounds that meet the requirements of accessibility often fall short of the broader goal of inclusion. Which is what makes, Landscape Structures Inclusive Playgrounds, 3 Important Life Lessons Children Learn on the Playground. Are Inclusive & Sensory Playgrounds the Same Thing? - May Recreation Equipment and Layout 5. Along with being just plain fun, it helps them develop emotional, social, creative and physical skills they'll need in adulthood. "name": "Playworld", There should be no barriers between the playground and sidewalks or other routes leading to it. However, when building inclusive playgrounds, the focus is often limited to the physical environment. Each principle plays a critical role in the overall design of an inclusive playground. & technical assistance, research & evaluation, and extensive community engagement. Well-designed inclusive playgrounds encourage friendships between different groups of children, which promotes awareness and acceptance of diversity throughout the community. Inclusive playgrounds create a space where children can come together and all feel comfortable. No person should experience a barrier to participating in community life because of a disability or limitation. However, without planning quality time to engage with their children, it would be easy for parents to focus together time on homework and chores. Inclusive play promotes understanding, reduces prejudices and supports social integration. Some inclusive playground designscan even be the perfect place for older adults, including grandparents, to join in the fun and physical activity. It is especially beneficial for a child with a disability as it reinforces they are not limited, and offers a chance to make friends and play in groups. Many public playgrounds make token efforts to appear accessible. What Does an Inclusive Playground Look Like? 4 Reasons Inclusive Playgrounds Benefit Communities - Cunningham Recreation A sensory playground is one that contains playground equipment/elements that stimulate one of the seven senses - touch, movement, smell, taste, sight, hearing and balance. Quieter rest areas can be helpful for children who may be over stimulated in crowds. Larger, wider spaces to give access to wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Four years ago, not a single ADA-compliant playground was available in my home countySt. The Value of Play, Playgrounds and Parks During the Pandemic As a landscape architect or an official from the parks industry, you might envision planning a destination that unites and brings joy to people from all walks of life. This is the result of following the letter of accessibility but not the spirit of inclusion. KIT works to help develop systematic changes that will encourage inclusion with regard to policy & professional development, training. Inclusive playgrounds are a fun set up that mentally challenges the kids and promotes their development. Giving a child around 60 minutes every day to play will help develop language skills, thinking, motor skills, sensory perception, and so forth and this is true for every child.. Local playgrounds must be inclusive playgrounds, allowing children with all kinds of abilities a chance to play and this includes differently-abled children. Inclusive play in the early years is beneficial for all children. Social play includes any type of play where two or more childrenare interacting with each other. Having a clear sense of how equipment is supposed to work is important for ALL! My children have learned much through playground play with others as well. We also took a deeper look at the issue on our Disability Garrison podcast episode that released on June 28th. It's an opportunity to be an active participant in the fun, instead of watching it from the sidelines. Or maybe a slide through the bouncing castles? Contact KIT today! How about you? From deciding who is going to be the captain of the ship to figuring out who is going down the slides together, decisions are made and leaders are built. Thats because any playground, regardless of whether it is inclusive or not, has a few things in common: However, inclusive playgrounds (also called universal playgrounds or universally accessible playgrounds) have some additional amenities and adjusted equipment that may include: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 to provide a legal framework of non-discrimination for people with disabilities. In doing so, the community becomes inclusive and connected. This engagement matters because familial relationships are some of the most important ones in a persons life. What a fun playground and glad that it is so near and dear to your heart. One of our favorite Landscape Structures Inclusive playgrounds is Sims Park in New Port Richey when we are close to home. This post was sponsored by Landscape Structures as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Many playgrounds were built before the ADA took effect and are therefore not accessible. Family Who Adopted 6 Kids With Down Syndrome Is Gifted Epic Inclusive Modified slides with ramps for additional support. Want to know what the best inclusive playgrounds are like? It cuts them off from an important aspect of community lifeor causes them to risk their safety in order to participate. Aside from becoming physically stronger as they play, they learn to communicate with each other hence building their social skills from an early age. Our 30-acre Central Park features beautiful grass and wooded spots for walking and picnics, and the Fitness Park is a great place for children and adults to have fun and stay in shape. KOMPAN | How to Design Inclusive Playgrounds for All Abilities This environment must be fostered in the classroom and out. Multiple exit/entry points, so children do not have to wait in line to enter or exit the playground. Empathy promotes social harmony and can reduce bullying. School playgrounds are also an important part of your child's healthy development since they provide a great place for them to get a full-body workout that includes activities to build their torso, legs, arms, and other body parts. , websites dedicated to promoting and educating everyone about playground accessibility! Or, if you want to become a certified inclusive playground designer yourself, we make that possible, too, through ourinclusive play training. If you are looking for something specific, you can explore our other inclusion solutions and resources below. Kids learn to use their imaginations and collaborate with each other. Swings designed to accommodate larger children. When we talk about inclusive playgrounds, we are not only talking about the essential provision of wheelchairs and ramps for children, but we are talking about a mindset change, making the children feel right at home at the playground like they belong there. So, aside from promoting social interaction between children of diverse backgrounds and abilities, critical skills that are immensely useful later in life are developed through inclusion in playgrounds, too. Inclusive play promotes understanding, reduces prejudices and supports social integration. Playground equipment and child development are more closely linked than many people realize. "description": "Play is a vital part of childrens development and a key factor in how they come to understand the world around them. Safety. This is important because an inclusive playground offers accessibility to children meaning that it provides solid playability for children of all abilities. Everybodys Tree House Germantown, Tennessee, 5. What makes a playground inclusive? Despite its many benefits, though, there are still several challenges concerning inclusion in playgrounds. Everyone can't do everything, but everyone can do something. In that time, weve seen fantastic improvements in accessibility in daily life, transportation, workplaces, and so much more. Why are Inclusive Playgrounds important? | Westplay Canada Blog Children with disabilities should rightfully have access to the same or properly-adapted playground equipment as their peers without disabilities. Meaning that playgrounds remain inaccessible and dangerous to kids and their families with and without disabilities. The climbing dome is a princess castle that is protected by magic. kids in wheelchairs) or not (e.g. My brother is looking for playground equipment to put in their backyard. Shop for Union Park Homes from Anywhere, 6 Features Millennials Want in a New Home Community, Del Webb at Union Park Has Senior Living Amenities for Active Adults. One study found thatyouth with ASDself-reported lower levels of self-esteem than their peers without ASD. Lets make more playgrounds inclusive and encourage the growth of inclusion in all parts of our community. Inclusive playgrounds are designed with all users in mind, so no one should feel the playground is incompatible with their abilities and interests. So why are inclusive playgrounds important? Here's an overview on self-direction to get you up to speed. "@id": "https://playworld.com/blog/the-importance-of-inclusive-playgrounds/" An inclusive playground design has no barriers. Well be posting about the issue throughout the month. Inclusive playgrounds ensure physical and social inclusion where everyone can play together. What Makes a Playground Accessible & Inclusive? Where all kids of all abilities and their communities can come together to make connections and enjoy shared experiences. Some who have a disability may feel awkward or as if they are being rude if they ask for too many accommodations even when those accommodations are perfectly reasonable. "dateModified": "2022-03-04" People with special needs who often feel ignored and excluded can feel safe and comfortable in this type of environment. Inclusive, or accessible playgrounds are play areas designed to accommodate children of all different levels of ability and those with disabilities. A community playground provides the perfect place for them to make friends and enjoy playtime with other children in their town. It's important for children to practice their sensory and cognitive skills outside of the classroom. You can purchase our Consultation Services as a standalone business service or combine it with our other relevant services into a Training & Support Package. Twitter It is a wide-ranging civil rights law that provides equal access to public services, programs, and activities, including play areas for children. Join Holly and Michael as they talk with Melissa Schlemmer. Children who play outside regularly have better distance vision. Children learn that working together will make the see-saw work and build sandbox villages faster. The concept of an inclusive playground is simple a play area with equipment and resources that meet the needs of children with a diverse range of disabilities; whether these disabilities are visible (e.g. Children, especially, benefit greatly from close relationships with their parents, siblings and other relatives. Required fields are marked *. Childhood obesity is a serious problem for children and adolescents in the U.S. Benefits of Sensory Play. And promoting inclusive play is why GT Independence is once again hosting Fair Play for All. With truly inclusive multigenerational outdoor recreation spaces people of all ages and abilities will experience the joy of meaningful play and physical activity among peers and family. Some reasons why a playground may remain unchanged for decades include: unrealistically high expectations from a town or citys government when it comes to how much money or effort it would take to make it accessible, the feeling that a playground is accessible enough because someone in a wheelchair could get from the parking lot to the edge of the play area while failing to consider other needs that person in a wheelchair has or the needs of people who experience other disabilities, and the ableist mindset that someone who has a disability would be unable to thrive and have fun in a playground in the same way others do. They'll discusshow important it is for care providers to be paid for their services. While playgrounds are typically viewed as a place where there is lots of noise some children with sensory conditions, or those on the autism spectrum may find it comforting and safe to be in a space with less noise. It informs all that we do, and were eager to help communities like yours create inclusive play spaces so all children can enjoy their right to play. Inclusive design tailors the space to all its users so it meets their needs rather than making them feel somehow deficient. We use this information in order to improve and customize you browsing experience and for analytics and metrics about our visitors on this website and other media. Another term often used when discussing accessibility is accommodation. California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Seattle, Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine, Las Vegas, Riverside, Georia, Atlanta, Chula Vista, Texas, Dallas, Arizona, Phoenix, Long Beach, Oakland, Anaheim, Copyright Creative Recreational Systems, Inc. 2023. Following best practices for creating inclusive playgrounds can make this hospitable play environment a reality. Adults and children of all ages benefit from this sort of community engagement. When Anthony was a preschooler, I didnt think twice about spending an afternoon at the playground or think twice about the play equipment, however, when the twins were that age I suddenly needed to think about play structures in an entirely new way. courses and webinars, KIT is your onsite, online, ongoing resource for providing inclusive practices and solutions. A playground is a place for children belonging to all walks of life to gather together and play, and it is every childs birthright to do so. 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