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. Here are some of them: Does your child prefer a swim? If you are in the process of planning a new playground or renovating an existing play space, you can start by asking a big-picture question: How will this play space encourage children of all abilities to interact and share play time together? Inclusive playgrounds allow all children to engage and play so everyone can be included in the fun. kids with hearing difficulties) parents can count on inclusive playgrounds to offer a fun, inclusive and sensory-rich environment where all kids can develop critical physical, social and emotional skills. Richness of Play 3. Engaged communities are generally happier and more trusting and share common goals and a vested interest in the well-being of their neighbors. Inclusive, or accessible playgrounds are play areas designed to accommodate children of all different levels of ability and those with disabilities. Home Value and Benefits of Inclusive Play Inclusion Matters Communities are diverse. One of the struggles families with disabilities face is fewer places to meet and be part of the community. 1. This environment must be fostered in the classroom and out. What a fun playground and glad that it is so near and dear to your heart. They help each other and encourage each other to cross the monkey bars or face their fears and go down the high slide. Its been 32 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed. An inclusive playground can provide more opportunities for children without disabilities to meet their peers with disabilities, which can create a positive exchange leading to greater awareness, deeper understanding and enhanced empathy. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design were implemented in 2010, and playgrounds must comply with these guidelines. This commitment can setthe tone for a whole community, helping all members become more aware of the diverse abilities represented in their community and the need to proactively include those who may otherwise find themselves on the outside of community life. Accessible and inclusive playgrounds also encourage stronger social development. Your little bundle of joy had marked tremendous milestones since birth. Self-esteem and confidence are key to a persons well-being. In addition to race, there are other important forms of diversity, including ability diversity. It cuts them off from an important aspect of community lifeor causes them to risk their safety in order to participate. Equipment and Layout 5. Benefits of inclusive playgrounds in the community cannot be overstated. Cognitive Development. was enacted in 1990 to provide a legal framework of non-discrimination for people with disabilities. This is important because an inclusive playground offers accessibility to children meaning that it provides solid playability for children of all abilities. All too often, communities share the goal of being engaged with one another but arent sure what practical steps they can take to make this idea a reality. This is a great post! So, what makes a playground accessible? In an inclusive playground, various play equipment have been installed to take care of different physical challenges that some kids could be facing. All kids want to play. Which I also believe wholeheartedly making Inclusive Playgrounds so important. Unfortunately for many who have a disability, visiting a playground is unrealistic due to its inaccessibility and failure to be inclusive to all. If a parent has a physical disability, for example, they should still be able to spend time with their child at the playground, whether that includes joining them on a swing set or watching from a nearby picnic table while they chat with a spouse or other family member. Community Crossroads. June 21, 2022 Learn how an inclusive and accessible playground is beneficial for all children and their parents. Tables and seating areas with wheelchair access. 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. Children, especially, benefit greatly from close relationships with their parents, siblings and other relatives. Accessible playgrounds are crucial in every community, and community planners must take current ADA standards into consideration to uphold the place and importance of playgrounds in child development for children, including children with disabilities. Traditional accessible playground design focuses on user access, typically for children with orthopedic impairments. This is where inclusive playgrounds come in. It has play equipment, such as swings and climbing structures. In that time, we've seen fantastic improvements in accessibility in daily life, transportation, workplaces, and so much more. Thinking of your beautiful Read more Donate To Mika's Amount Donated We also carry other site amenities to complete your play area including safety surfacing, shade structures, picnic tables, benches, and more. As they play children learn to make decisions for themselves, which leads them to become leaders and builds their confidence. But in the hustle, we left fun, laughter, and inclusion for kids on the playground far behind. In doing so, the community becomes inclusive and connected. Help Us Build a Unique Inclusive Playground in Edmonds DONATE TODAY Help us raise $250,000 for an inclusive playground Donate 20% of 100% 89 donations Our Generous Donors D Diana & Rashid February 5, 2022 We hope to see Mika's playground complete for all kids to play & enjoy. Three years of time, energy, and advocacy finally resulted in an ADA-compliant and inclusive playground that all kids and their families can enjoy. What makes a playground inclusive? "dateModified": "2022-03-04" If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. According to Youth.gov, disability inclusion means individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of life to the fullest extent possible. Make sure any signs or instructions are easy to read or interpret. He still has fine motor skill issues though. is a campaign that calls our communities to create inclusive playgrounds for all kids. It is a wide-ranging civil rights law that provides equal access to public services, programs, and activities, including play areas for children. One of our favorite Landscape Structures Inclusive playgrounds is Sims Park in New Port Richey when we are close to home. Children learn that working together will make the see-saw work and build sandbox villages faster. Multiple exit/entry points, so children do not have to wait in line to enter or exit the playground. According to Miracle Recreation, an organization that has been innovating playgrounds across the nation for nearly 100 years, Playing at the playground is an essential part of childhood. Parks and playground equipment shouldnt limit or segregate children. Want to find an Inclusive Playground close to you? Play equipment oriented towards the center of the playground rather than around the edge. Inclusive playgrounds offer tremendous benefits to kids, families and the entire community. Disabilities and personal challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Designs should aim to encourage longer play engagement. Kids learn so many life skills on the playground and the foundation of those skills begins at an early age so it is extremely important for children of all abilities to participate in an inclusive play space. #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. Joseph County, Michigan. For this blog post, well talk about the benefits of inclusion in playgrounds for all kids, information on how you can start building an inclusive play space and how Kids Included Together (KIT) can help your organization foster inclusion in playgrounds. Social interactions with friends are important, but so are social interactions with family. We put this commitment into action by providing a wealth of information and practical guidance on how to design inclusive playgrounds. The passing of the ADA marked the beginning of focusing on the benefits of inclusive play, and in 2000 the U.S. Access Board issued new accessibility guidelines for public playgrounds, which were later implemented in 2010 as Playground Standards by the U.S. Department of Justice. "These children are our future, and we must provide them with all possible resources to be successful, and that includes equitable community spaces." document.getElementById("ak_js").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Why Inclusive Play is Important Landscape Structures Inclusive Playgrounds, I remember the painful thoughts that ran through my mind when Aidan was diagnosed with Autism, and then again when Lillys diagnosis and weak muscle strength began. Sensory play equipment such as the Little Tikes. An inclusive playground can be a tangible way to demonstrate a communitys true commitment to diversity and inclusion for all its citizens. Its vital for all children to take full advantage of the benefits of inclusive play. courses and webinars, KIT is your onsite, online, ongoing resource for providing inclusive practices and solutions. Your support helps us ensure that Kids Included Together spreads the mission of inclusion everywhere. By encouraging and fostering a culture of inclusion in playgrounds, we can create opportunities for all children to play together and learn from one another. It also states that every child has the right to explore their abilities and develop their skills while learning new things on the playground. Flooring made of soft rubber cushioning. Children with higher self-esteem are more likely to achieve their personal and academic goals and enjoy positive relationships with parents and peers. At Playworld, we are committed to helping communities make inclusive playgrounds a reality so all members of the community can enjoy a safe and fun place to interact and play. However, without planning quality time to engage with their children, it would be easy for parents to focus together time on homework and chores. Housing Authorities, Apartment Complexes & HOA Playgrounds, Commercial Playground Equipment and Park Amenities, Obstacle Course Play & Fitness Activities, Yalp: Interactive Play & Sports Equipment, Park Amenities: Furnishings, Shade and Playground Surfacing, Dog Park Equipment & Agility Course Products, Social Impact & Community Resource Division, 4 Reasons Inclusive Playgrounds Benefit Communities. You can evenwork with a certified representativein inclusive play in your area. 53% of children with special needs lack friendships and part of the problem is that their disability excludes them from certain activities. Inclusive Play is not just focusing on accessibility, itbringsage, developmental appropriateness, and sensory-stimulating activity into the equation which results in social equity and increasingly diverse social communities. Disabilities are less common among children, but4.3% of children have a disability, according to census data. There may be a sandbox and drinking fountains. Accessibility is part of the equation . Pictures and symbols that explain how equipment is meant to be used is important! With inclusive playgrounds, children of all abilities can have a safe space to express themselves in physical motion through play and also allows them to start mingling with other children and to make friends. Playgrounds are so important for making connections but many people are excluded from them for a variety of reasons. These opportunities include participation in education, employment, public health programming, community living, and service learning. And having a better ability to understand others translate in skills that are valuable in the job environment, like understanding what customers need. They grow intellectually and emotionally, develop a higher sense of self-worth, and learn more about themselves. October is Sensory Awareness Month! fun abounds offers a wide selection of commercial playground equipment from the most trusted product lines in the industry. An inclusive play space can offer a sense of belonging and a place to find acceptance. It's an opportunity to be an active participant in the fun, instead of watching it from the sidelines. 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. Heres a quick list of the most common benefits for all children simply by playing together in an inclusive play area: With over 20 years of experience working behind the scenes and in the front lines of inclusion KIT provides early childhood education professionals and caregivers with inclusion training and practical strategies. Accessible A playground's purpose is unfulfilled if users can't get to it. Or, if you want to become a certified inclusive playground designer yourself, we make that possible, too, through ourinclusive play training. Going to the playground can be a great way to help families set aside their devicesand worriesand be in the moment with each other. So why are inclusive playgrounds important? We offer a wide selection of commercial playground equipment and aquatic play features from the most trusted product lines in the industry. These affects can be seen in all children, so it is important that play structures accommodate children of all abilities and developmental levels. For example, play centers have access points like ramps convenient for a child with a physical impairment. Smart. "@type": "WebPage", Generally, this means playgrounds must feature pathways, safe surfacing and other practical measures to make the space more physically accessible for users with disabilities. Kids and parents alike can enjoysome fresh air and active play while social distancing, of course. Creating an inclusive play environment gives children the opportunity to grow and learn together. Modified climbing frames for blind/partially sighted children. It also has a significant impact on the way a child develops, including: 1. An inclusive playground can become the centerpiece of a connected community. Sensory play is important to a child's overall development and growth. 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. 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. Inclusive playgrounds can bring family members together, providing a space that promotes engagement and play for all, no matter their age. Landscape Structures believes that through inclusive play, kids learn life lessons such as leadership, persistence, support, and empathy. Community stages that allow for wheelchair access. Inclusive playgrounds ensure physical and social inclusion where everyone can play together. New Minds in the Making: The Importance of Recess and Play in Education, National Playground Safety Week : April 24th -April 28th, Top 3 Structures That Every Playground Needs In 2022, fun abound Recognized As A Top BCI Burke Rep, A Blog of My Own: A Message from fun abounds President Leigh Walden, Everyones Included: The Benefits of Inclusive Playgrounds. "name": "Playworld", We look forward to discussing options that best suit your organizations needs. YouTube Would they be able to play with other kids? . Want to know what the best inclusive playgrounds are like? These are just a few different aspects that practitioners can assess to help make playgrounds more inclusive. }, It gives children with and without any disability the same platform to play while breaking down barriers, both physically and socially. Copyright 2022. 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. Inclusive play promotes understanding, reduces prejudices and supports social integration. Having a clear sense of how equipment is supposed to work is important for ALL! What inclusive fun will you and your community create? From comprehensive onsite professional training to ongoing support, including. Want to find an Inclusive Playground close to you? Inclusive playgrounds ensure physical and social inclusion where everyone can play together. 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. This is why accessibility isnt enough inclusivity is a more comprehensive goal for playground design. Furthermore, many schools/organizations arent sure how to build inclusive play spaces, or start developing a culture of inclusion in playgrounds. Why Are Playgrounds Important? Many case managers aren't given the information they need to submit referrals for self-direction. According to a study on physical and developmental disabilities, 53% of kids with disabilities spent less than two hours a week with their peers outside of class. 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. People with special needs who often feel ignored and excluded can feel safe and comfortable in this type of environment. They learn that climbing as high as you can is a lot more fun with someone to enjoy the view with. Our ADA-accessible playground accommodates children of all ability and mobility levels, so every child has the chance to learn, grow, interact, and have fun with other kids their age. Why Playgrounds Need To Be Accessible & Inclusive To All. Inclusive playgrounds bring communities together and make each person feel valued and understood. Some schools, organizations, and communities have already embraced this idea and achieved great results. Unlimited Play was started by Natalie Mackay to honor her son Zach, who lived with a disability before he died in 2021. "@id": "https://playworld.com/blog/the-importance-of-inclusive-playgrounds/" Including ramps and rails as necessary or using ground level play events. Independent. Is your town on the list? Many times, memories were made on the playground. The Role of Playgrounds in Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. No person should experience a barrier to participating in community life because of a disability or limitation. When the community truly understands the need and why an inclusive playground is important, you'll receive better buy-in and support for your project. "@context": "https://schema.org", The safety of all children should be the number one priority in any playground, but it is especially important in inclusive playgrounds. We also love to stop at Common Ground Park in Lakeland as a car break on our drives over to Orlando. For the past decade, fun abounds has been helping individuals and communities achieve their dream play spaces. Facebook Playgrounds with ramps and smooth ground surfaces can help wheelchair users easily access and maneuver throughout the different areas. With access to an all-inclusive playground, a child with a disability will have the chance to grow and thrive just as any other child. In Massachusetts, there are many more accessible playgrounds and you can check them out here: https://www.accessibleplayground.net/united-states/massachusett/. Inclusive play and fitness equipment make it possible for everyone in the community to enjoy themselves outdoors. I remember the painful thoughts that ran through my mind when Aidan was diagnosed with Autism, and then again when Lillys diagnosis and weak muscle strength began. Four years ago, not a single ADA-compliant playground was available in my home countySt. Inclusive, or accessible playgrounds are play areas designed to accommodate children of all different levels of ability and those with disabilities. The good news is that resources and information necessary to create inclusive playgrounds are readily available. KIT works to help develop systematic changes that will encourage inclusion with regard to policy & professional development, training & technical assistance, research & evaluation, and extensive community engagement. Some playground designs that are considered accessible may still exclude some users or fail to offer them the same level of fun and engagement as they offer other users. Miles yelled . Inclusive playgrounds and sensory playgrounds are essentially the same thing. 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. Take wood chips for example. "headline": "The Importance of Inclusive Playgrounds", In reality your local playground may just need a small modification to go from inaccessible and exclusive to accessible and inclusive. Childhood obesity is a serious problem for children and adolescents in the U.S. Some playgrounds in our area that are accessible include: Crotched Mountain Treehouse (Greenfield, NH), Many of the playgrounds in Concord, NH have accessibility features included. It means that an inclusive playground will offer wheelchair ramps, custom playground equipment that will enable differently-abled children to be able to play, and so forth. This term means a change that is made so that a person with a disability is able to fully participate. It's a sunny May day in Berthoud, Colorado, just an hour north of Denver. For the past decade, fun abounds has been helping individuals and communities achieve their dream play spaces. Providing multigenerational, inclusive play ensures that all people experience meaningful play and the benefits of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. For kids living with disabilities, traditional playgrounds exclude them and their families from play that is critical to development and socialization. Perhaps still, a run through the tracks? Good enough, you are actually spending much time outdoors with the kids. { To find out more about the cookies we use, see our, https://www.creativesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Children-are-the-anchors-that-hold-the-mother-to-life.-Sophocles.mp4. Creating these spaces can provide safe social environments, help families enjoy quality time together, encourage community engagement, enhance self-esteem, promote sensory play for all users and set a positive tone of inclusivity within a community. Im grateful for this chance to make change. is essential for children with disabilities who may be at risk for isolation and bullying. Playgrounds in the United States have evolved significantly since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Even playgrounds that meet the requirements of accessibility often fall short of the broader goal of inclusion. 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. 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. All children deserve a good play, and Inclusive playgrounds have a way of making it happen. COVIDs taught us that nursing homes and traditional care facilities mightnot be the safest options any longer. Because of adaptive and modified playground equipment, children with disabilities are encouraged to try new activities. Landscape Structures Inclusive playgrounds, Landscape Structures site and search for the playground that fits your needs, How the Pandemic Showed Parents How to Engage with Learning at Home, 10 Simple Ways to Show Kids You Love Them Everyday! "Seeing children and adults enjoy the new playground together is why the Rebuild program is so important," said Commissioner, Parks & Recreation, Kathryn Ott Lovell. All kids want to play. Benefits of Sensory Play. Inclusive playgrounds create a space where children can come together and all feel comfortable. Even something as simple as waiting in line to go down the slide can help a child advance their social skills. An inclusive playground combats this problem by making all users feel equally valued and valid. Instagram Modified slides with ramps for additional support. Nearly 9 in 10 parents in the IPEMA survey agreed that play is more important than ever. It's important for children to practice their sensory and cognitive skills outside of the classroom. But the unfortunate reality is that not all playgrounds in America are inclusive or even accessible for all children to play in. Children learn so much on the playground! 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 . Each time a child tries something new or simply enjoys a positive interaction with their peers at the playground, this can provide an excellent boost to their self-esteem. Safety. Pinterest In certain environments, some children may feel they are at a disadvantage. Inclusive playgrounds also offer children the ability to engage with other children with different histories, backgrounds, heritages, and bond together in friendship. Lets talk about inclusion! Quieter rest areas can be helpful for children who may be over stimulated in crowds. This helps to encourage empathy and social bonding. We also provide an in-depthguide on inclusive playground designthat serves as a valuable resource for many in the industry.