DOES A PLAYGROUND FOR THE DISABLED AND INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND MEAN THE SAME?

At first reception, it may seem that a playground for the disabled and an integrative playground are synonyms. It turns out, however, that these are completely different concepts that define two different types of arrangements. So what's the difference between them? 

In accordance with the principles of universal design, the arrangement of recreational space should not differentiate access possibilities for users with a certain level of fitness. Accessibility, therefore, is taking into account not only the needs of people in wheelchairs (children and adults), but also those who use all mobility aids, people with visual disabilities (blind and partially sighted) and hearing (deaf and hard of hearing), all with others types of disabilities, temporarily disabled, pregnant women, the elderly, on a par with non-disabled people.

The complete design of the playground should include surfaces, equipment, greenery, leisure infrastructure (benches, gazebos) and additional infrastructure (information boards, litter bins, bicycle stands, etc.). In each aspect indicated, and in combination all of them as a whole, the design may be either accessible or exclusive.

 

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Connect instead of dividing

A playground designed in accordance with the principles of universal design equally takes into account the needs of users with different levels of fitness, offering, in addition to the available surface, equipment that can be used by all (or more than one) user groups, playing together, not side by side. So it can be called an inclusive, accessible and inclusive space.

A playground for people with disabilities is not an integration space. It is an arrangement that takes into account the needs of people with disabilities only (of various types), i.e. a reversal of the situation when the playground is equipped only with the needs of non-disabled people. It is by definition a design flaw that divides the participants of the play, instead of bringing them together. Such an arrangement is therefore an example of the exclusion of a specific group of users and should not be the case.

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Accessibility pays off!

The space designed and equipped with integration devices provides many benefits, primarily for users, but is also the right direction, because:

- it allows the investor to save money - there is no need to buy double equipment that is tailored to the needs of a specific group. No extra space needed. In the same space you have, it is better to install one set of devices that will be attractive to all users, regardless of their efficiency.

- supports the process of social inclusion - children know no boundaries, barriers or prejudices. Playing with able-bodied and disabled people at the same time, they shape positive models, learn empathy, acceptance, respect and cooperation.

- allows to initiate positive changes in the scale of the estate, city, province and country - shows that acceptance and universal design is a standard. In Poland, many playgrounds are still unavailable or designed incorrectly - seemingly available or even exclusive. It's time to change that!

 

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