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Hey friends. Have you ever gone to a playground and felt you didn’t belong? Perhaps some of the equipment was too difficult to use, or there weren’t enough engaging activities. So I thought we’d talk today about what we can do to create a playground that is inclusive of everyone, with any range of abilities. Let’s figure out how we can help keep everyone included and happy when they come to play.
Playgrounds for All Abilities: A Design Challenge
When we build a playground for all abilities, we make sure kids with different needs can have fun. That could involve installing adaptive swings with safety harnesses for children who use wheelchairs. It might simply mean having several different activities for children with different interests, so that everyone can find something fun to do. By recognizing that all children like to play the game, we can make attiring the playground in a way that makes everyone feel like they belong in it.
Streamlining the Accessibility of the Playground
It also relates to access — everyone can get to and play in the Outdoor Playground. This could involve, for example, providing ramps rather than steps for children who have trouble walking. It is also good to have a sufficient number of benches for parents or helpers who need a rest. Loud noises or bright lights could be too much for certain children. Quiet spaces and calming activities can make the playground more enjoyable for everyone.
Making a Safe and Comfortable Place for All
It’s ‘a safe and inclusive place where nobody feels unwelcome or uncomfortable,’ said Luntz, referencing the phrase at the heart of Chin’s amendment. It could mean setting explicit rules for how to play nicely together. We can even have signs in multiple languages so that kids who speak other languages can know what to do. If we all try to help and make the Herd a positive and friendly place, everyone will be happier and feel supported when they arrive to play.
Inclusive Design for All
Universal design is about ensuring that everyone can enjoy the Indoor Playground, no matter what challenges they face. That might involve ensuring pathways are wide enough for wheelchairs or providing shaded space for children who may be sensitive to the sun. By considering what children universally require, we can make a place that really is inclusive.
Playing with Kindness to Learn about Kindness
And building empathy and compassion is about helping kids see things from other people’s point of view. That might involve playing games that promote teamwork, or discussing what it means to have different abilities. We can help children become the kind, caring people we’d all like to have in our lives by creating opportunities for them to learn to take on perspectives of others. And when we stand up for each other we can create a Water Playground that is friendly to everybody.
