access for all
Passages taken from The Good Play Space Guide: "I can play too", Published by the Department for Victorian Communities, March 2007
“Inclusive communities are those where all people are equally valued and have the same opportunities for participation. A culture of inclusion implies an environment where all people are welcome. In an inclusive environment all children are given the opportunity to develop their skills, interests and abilities and are supported to reach their full potential.”
“The most effective play spaces are those which engage and stimulate children, and that they can access and move through. Play spaces that provide settings for children (regardless of their age or ability) are extremely valuable. Such spaces may be small and simple or large and complex. For example, planting, sand, rocks, logs and other terrain are endlessly adaptable for many activities. Play takes many forms. It is important for planners and providers to recognize that physical activity on play equipment is only one of many ways that children like to use their environment. This is particularly important for encouraging participation by all children. While some children may not be able to swing from monkey bars, they will be able to be included in imaginative play, role play or creative play. “
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More information
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The principle aim of an accessible playground is to encourage & support social inclusion… It means bringing about the conditions where children of all ages, abilities & ethnic origins can play together in a play environment. Making a playground physically accessible for children with special needs is only the starting point… |
Children with disabilities are children first & foremost… and they have exactly the same play needs… The main purpose of this paper is to suggest ways of making children with disabilities’ play more enriching… Integrated play opportunities in as ‘normal’ a setting as possible are strongly advocated, but it is also recognized that special provisions often need to be made. |
Custom-designed sensory play environments can participate in fostering the interest of children with special needs in play. The textures, the colours, the smells, the sounds in the space, the lighting qualities, are all features to be considered… to create a sensory stimulating environment. |
Councils need to clearly state the outcomes they want to be delivered by designers & suppliers of playgrounds & play equipment regarding accessibility. In order to improve accessibility, the following design issues should be considered… |
The aim of the International Year of Disabled Persons 1981 is to inform people of the importance of play for the child with a disability & the vital role it has in their development. It also promotes play as an essential ingredient in the process of integration. |
Questions regarding access & facilities that require consideration. For instance, If there is a level change from the parking space to the adjoining walkway is there a ramp provided? |
Social inclusion… All children need to play – for all the same social, biological, emotional & physical reasons, regardless of their abilities. How to go about designing environments that support this understanding & provide play experiences of real value for all children? Important aspects to consider discussed. |
“The disablement lies in the construction of society, not in the physical condition of the individual”. A project being conducted in the School of Education at the University of Ballarat… The research aims to investigate the social benefits of play for children who use community playgrounds that have been designed for a wide range of users… The paper will examine user perceptions of the Liberty Swing… |