Cindy Burkhour, M.A., CTRS, CLP
An access ramp passes through the floor plan of this playground |
Children are not the only benefactors of accessible design in play areas. Parents with disabilities need to move around the playground in order to support and interact with their children as they play. Accessible routes in and around the play area also help parents without disabilities, particularly those pushing younger siblings in strollers, and grandparents playing with their grandchildren. Good universal design is a benefit to adults and children.
Because children with disabilities are increasingly included in neighborhood schools and community recreation programs such as summer playground programs, accessible play areas are a necessity.