Supporting Inclusive Play
The benefits of bringing your community together with an inclusive playground are immeasurable.
When a child has physical challenges, for example, that prohibit him or her from entering and engaging with a traditional playground through ladders, stairs, etc., it hinders his or her right to simply play and be a child. Offering an accessible playground for everyone to enjoy allows children to engage with other children of different abilities and backgrounds, which helps develop crucial social, physical, and emotional skills. Inclusive playground equipment considers all disabilities, including physical, sensory, social-emotional, and cognitive. So, it only makes sense to invest in creating a play environment that prepares future generations to communicate and engage with people with different abilities other than their own.
What is an Inclusive Playground?
Inclusive playgrounds go beyond providing accessible playground equipment or wheelchair-accessible playgrounds.
While accessible playground equipment is necessary and helps to break down physical barriers to play, inclusive playground design provides equitable play opportunities allowing children to participate in all the fun equally. These playgrounds can provide play opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the individuals in your community, including those with physical, sensory, communicative, social-emotional, and cognitive disabilities. When we address the needs of your community, all children will be able to reap the lifelong developmental, physical, and social benefits of inclusion.
Interactive Games
Thinking beyond traditional playground equipment, you can incorporate playground games into your outdoor play space. Games such as our Daisy Dash allow all children to play together, despite age or ability.