![]() An approach we used was to theme the sessions around different play experiences or types of equipment. Play Themes – it can be hard to know where to start when planning playground play.If the playground is not very accessible, you can use loose parts (scarves, balls, rope, chalk, shakers etc.) to help create games and play off the equipment, where everyone in your group is able to take part. Loose Parts – loose parts play is not only enriching to the play experience, it can also help you engage with potential participants on the playground and adapt games to be more inclusive on-the-go.This will help you communicate with children who use alternative communication and provide a visual flow for the session that kids can refer to as they go. Visual Communication – prepare visual schedules or supports for your play plan ahead of time such as photos of the equipment you will use or images that describe a game or rules.Play Leaders provided a combination of structured games and activities, as well as facilitated child-led play and social inclusion on the playground.Īs one of the Play Leaders delivering this new program, I (Carrie Millar) can promise that an inclusive playground program is going to be a lot of fun- but there are also some considerations for a successful inclusive experience! The program was offered twice per week and in a free, drop-in style delivery where children could join in for an entire 2hr session or just a few games. Led by Steadward Centre Play Leaders, the playground program was designed to utilize the unique features of the Jumpstart playground and encourage movement and exploration in a fun and social environment for children both with and without disabilities. The playground itself consists of accessible and inclusive playground equipment for a diversity of mobility, sensory, cognitive, and emotional needs. The inclusive playground served as the platform for a novel approach to designing inclusive recreation for kids of all abilities, through intentional play programming created by The Steadward Centre. This summer, we launched an inclusive play program at our local Canadian Tire Jumpstart playground – the Clareview Inclusive Playground in Edmonton. Inclusive playgrounds, where children of all abilities are able to play freely and safely, are important for promoting equal and equitable access and a sense of dignity, belonging and meaning for all children and their families. ![]() ![]() However, playgrounds are often spaces where children experiencing disability feel isolated from their peers. Playground play in particular, offers children a variety of unique sensory and motor experiences. In comparison to before the pandemic and restrictions, 62% of children with disabilities are engaging in less outdoor physical activity ( Canadian Disability Participation Project, 2021). The aim of the initiative is to get more Albertans of all abilities more active, more often! By creating accessible, inclusive physical activity and play opportunities for families throughout Alberta, PiPA hopes to contribute to quality physical activity participation for children experiencing disabilities.Ĭhildren and youth experiencing disability are less likely to engage in unstructured physical activities compared to their peers. Launched in 2019, Promoting Inclusive Play in Alberta (PiPA) is a collaborative initiative between The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement at the University of Alberta and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. Kelly Arbour Nicitopoulos for providing this post. Whether learning about rhythm, sound, or fine or gross motor skills, we have accessible-height activities that encourage a range of motion exercises and imaginative play.Thank you to Carrie Millar, Dr. Activity panels: Activity panels allow children to express themselves through music, mental exercises, and exploration.Ramps with double rails: Add safety and functionality to your ramps using double rails. These playground components allow for continuous gripping support, wheelchair turning areas, and transfer areas.It features enough surface space to allow children who use wheelchairs to comfortably use the spinner. Turnabout Spinners: All children can access the Turnabout Spinner with its ground-level entry point.It has a 70-square-foot deck surface, giving users ample room for wheelchairs and assisting parents. Together Gliders: Our Together Glider is an inclusive playground component that gently sways.Inclusive and Accessible Playgrounds Inclusive Play Is at the Heart of Every Little Tikes Commercial DesignĪt Little Tikes Commercial, our playground designs give every child an equal opportunity to play.
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