Inclusive play is an integral part of Wicksteed Leisure's playground equipment product development programme.
Just as in the rest of life today, integration and inclusive play have rightly become the aim.
The Disability Discrimination Act Part III comes into force on 1st October 2004. The provision of facilities for inclusive play will become the legal responsibility of public service providers. The law relating to inclusive play covers existing public playgrounds, as well as 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 to establish that it possesses the appropriate attributes for inclusive play.
In addition to products on the market for disabled children, it is possible to design play areas that are fun for children with varying levels of skill and agility. Customers can fulfil their inclusive play obligations, without having to purchase speciality products.
It is not always possible to provide shared play experiences. Inclusive play also means that playground providers should not discriminate against children who are physically able.
The Wicksteed range of play and sport equipment includes many inclusive play products that enable children with special needs and non-disabled children to play together.
Examples of inclusive play:
- SAM SNAIL SIT-IN SPRING MOBILE - enables children with learning disabilities to engage in repetitive movement such as rocking to and fro.
- TALKING FLOWERS - a typical example of a simple idea in inclusive play - laughter and fun for all.
- DOUBLE WIDTH SLIDE - enables a child and helper to slide down together.
- ACCESS ROPE RAMP WITH TRANSFER PLATFORM - can be a means of allowing the child to transfer from a wheelchair onto an access ramp.
- TACTILE PANELS - stimulating for children with visual impairments and/or learning difficulties.
Exercise, balance, co-ordination, development and, above all, fun for everyone, are the principles of inclusive play.
