Guide to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995:
Guide to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 - Wicksteed publish a Guide for their customers and advise on how the provisions coming into force on 1st October 2004 relate to Outdoor Play Areas
Wicksteed publish a Guide for their customers and advise on how the provisions coming into force on 1st October 2004 relate to Outdoor Play Areas
Just as in the rest of life, today, far from treating any group of children or young adults differently, integration and inclusive play have rightly become the aim.
The final part of the Disability Discrimination Act comes into force on 1st October 2004. This is when reasonable adjustments to physical features to overcome physical barriers to access become the legal responsibility of public service providers. This relates to existing public playgrounds, as well as the design of future play and sports facilities.
A playground provider must take reasonable steps to enable disabled children and their parents/carers to use the play area. Each play area must be examined on its own merits.
Wicksteed advises that, although there are products on the market specifically designed for disabled children, it is possible to design play areas that are fun for children with varying levels of skill and agility, without having to purchase speciality products, which can be expensive and are often not within the limited budget of smaller Parish Councils. Wicksteed confirms it is not always possible to provide totally shared play experiences, as this could have the effect of discriminating against children who are physically able who need to have a greater degree of physical challenges. However, opportunities can be created for similar and equally stimulating play experiences for less able children.
<< back to media centre
Walk the plank - Fantasy funrun fitness trail
Sam Snail sit-in spring mobile
