We Speak Playground

Making up the world’s largest minority, some 1 billion people worldwide currently live with a disability. This number means one in every seven people on earth is impacted by a disability. This number means one in every seven people on earth is impacted by a disability. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was created to raise awareness of the social, economic, political and cultural aspects of disabilities and how they affect the lives of billions of people worldwide.

Perhaps few groups of children have struggled with inclusion as much as people with sensory issues, and of course, parents who care for them. So many community activities provide an amount of stimulation that people with sensory disorders find overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even painful. The good news is that the Houston Metro Area has begun to provide some sensory-friendly opportunities for community and family fun.

When companies market their products and services, they may target a certain market sector that is more inclined to make purchases, such as marketing recreational equipment to outdoorsy people or vacation resort packages to people with families. To successfully market their operations, companies often hire employees that encompass the mindsets and backgrounds of their target audience so that they can better connect to potential customers. Yet many businesses are finding that by focusing on only one subset of individuals can create a workplace culture that excludes employees and potential customers based on their disabilities. Instead, these businesses are making the switch to becoming more inclusive operations that welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, races, genders and disabilities.

Children are naturally inquisitive, and they are sure to notice differences between themselves and other people they meet. When a child comes into contact with someone who has a significant difference from them, such as a disability or different skin color, it is normal for the child to have questions. However, if you hope to raise responsible, caring adults, you need to teach your child to be kind, respectful and welcoming to all people, regardless of their differences. Below are some tips to help you teach your child how to be inclusive. 

You want a playground that gives everyone a chance to learn and have fun outdoors. However, some children with physical or intellectual limitations have a harder time navigating a traditional play structure than others. That’s why it’s important to make a few simple changes to ensure all children have a great time at recess. Check out these five tips for making school playgrounds more inclusive.

Have you ever traveled through a neighborhood and found an outdoor fair, block party or local festival? The sights and sounds feel welcoming to both the residents, tourists and people who are simply passing by. Such events and recreations do more than just allow people to sell food and products. They allow neighbors to build relationships and provide a venue where everyone can come together to enjoy new arts, culture and entertainment.

April is World Autism Month. Now is the best time to increase awareness of this condition that affects so many children. The Centers for Disease Control reports that one in every 59 children is diagnosed with some form of autism. Autism can affect children from all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but males are four times more likely to be diagnosed than females. Awareness of the prevalence of autism is the first step toward helping children and their families who suffer from this issue. One place that everyone can help kids with autism is on the playground.

In the words of Charlie Chaplin, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." Fortunately for children and the adults who take care of them, laughter is one of the primary sounds heard on a well-designed playground. Thanks to the help of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), playgrounds can now be more readily designed to meet the specific needs of schools, parks and recreation areas. 

Play has always been an innate part of the childhood experience. Long before there were playgrounds of any kind, children were creating their own using little more than their imaginations. Play is important for the cultivation of motor skills as well as physical strength and stamina. Children also learn social skills from playing together in groups. Country children had it best in this respect — a crooked stick became a lightning-fast steed, while a small stream became a vast and mysterious ocean. Play occurs in all cultures and is an essential part of healthy childhood development, even though playgrounds themselves are a relatively recent addition. The first public playground was built in San Francisco in the year 1887, and playgrounds as we know them gradually came into existence as cities grew larger and outdoor play in the streets and in vacant lots became increasingly dangerous. However, it took over a century for the idea of inclusive playgrounds to even begin to make a dent in America's cultural landscape. 

All children need and deserve safe and fun playgrounds. There are abundant options for playground designs that don't just meet ADA requirements, but that also create a very special environment for inclusive play and interaction between children of all abilities. Playgrounds should offer opportunities for a thrilling experience to all children. May Recreation designs inclusive playgrounds and components that provide access and exciting interaction for all children.