Children deserve to play. No matter where they come from, free play is important for their growth. Allowing them to play at least 60 minutes per day can help develop their language, social skills, symbolic thinking, and motor skills.
Playgrounds should promote inclusion for children from different walks of life. Inclusive playgrounds offer more than wheelchair ramps and handrails, it’s all about making children feel they belong, whether with or without disabilities. In other words, there is equality. And equality matters.
Why it Matters
Inclusive playgrounds are a safe haven where children of all abilities can have fun and make friends. It matters since it provides the following for children:
Accessibility — it provides physical accommodation for children with and without disabilities. This means that inclusive playgrounds have wheelchair routes and transfers, and customised equipment that provides extra safety.
Engagement — it increases the chances of children engaging with children with different backgrounds, challenges and stories. It allows every single child to enjoy and increase their social play.
Integration — inclusive playgrounds don’t segregate children with disabilities from others. It actually integrates special equipment on the equipment used by children without disabilities. This integration makes a cohesive community where every child can play with the same equipment as others.
Education — aside from making a cohesive community, inclusive playgrounds educates everyone that every child deserves to play and have the ability to explore and learn new things. This will also foster compassion, understanding and empathy, which is an important lesson for everyone.
Safety is always a priority for playgrounds. But safety is not enough; there should be included in order to educate children and parents that every single child can enjoy playgrounds and make friends with others, whether with or without disabilities.
If you’re a playground owner who wants to start an inclusive playground, you should contact an indoor playground manufacturer with the same vision. International Recreation Corporation (iREC) has decades of experience in building high-quality play equipment that is safe and durable, perfect for every child who wants to have fun.
iREC builds accessible and inclusive playgrounds for children. Contact iREC through +63 47 250 2779 or sales@irec.ph to get a quote.