INCLUSIVE PLAY CHALLENGES
22 Jul 2015
To be truly inclusive, playground equipment needs to meet play challenges on a number of levels and cater to a range of abilities. Imagination Play’s 'inclusive play' equipment makes sure it hits the mark on every level.
Let’s look at the definition of inclusive play: Children of different abilities are able to play together. To be truly inclusive, playground equipment needs to have challenges on different levels.
Products can be ‘non-inclusive’ in 2 ways:
1. Not suitable for impaired children.
2. Only suitable for impaired children (a wheelchair swing is not inclusive)
Non-inclusive products for handicapped children have a place (schools, therapy) but in public areas inclusive Play equipment is preferable.
Play areas for visually impaired children should be clearly visible by using landmark elements to enable users to find their way around. Presence of strong contrasting colours as markers. Using interesting audible and tactile features (the latter is important for children who will learn to read in Braille). For children that use a wheelchair the play equipment should be easily accessible. Play equipment should be provided with continuing support (for example a hand rail) from the entrance to the exit of the equipment. Play activities that can be reached from the wheelchair encourage activities that include crawling or suspension.
Imagination Play are a truly inclusive play company. Our Inclusive play equipment is designed to be fun, intriguing, educational and accessible for all children. We provide products that punctuate, not define, a play space embracing the true meaning of inclusion. We take inclusivity seriously. For this reason we have worked with a team of experts to develop good, inclusive play equipment and designed truly accessible play areas.
The Amico range consists of Inclusive Play equipment for 3 to 8 year olds. The range is a result of cooperation between product development teams and a variety of experts that work with impaired children on a daily basis. The outcome is a very attractive product range that offers a lot of play value for a variety of abilities. Having challenges at various levels means that the products are interesting and challenging for impaired as well as able bodied children.
Fun4All - so no one is left out.
At Imagination Play, we have developed an exciting new range called Fun4All. These products were discussed in focus groups with children’s workers, special needs teachers, physiotherapists and researchers from various backgrounds. But maybe most importantly, we talked to the children themselves and to their parents. This helped us to come up with innovative ideas that work in practice.
The Access Spinner is easily accessible and children of all abilities can play together. The sloped platform and handles keep a wheelchair in place without using special straps and fixings and there is enough space for friends to join in.
The Access Whirl is unique in the market. The product is easily accessible and children have great support and grip because of the net structure. The shape provides a cocoon so that children are always safe when the product spins around.
Imagination Play's Vision:
To be a company that is leading in the development of accessible and inclusive Play products and Play areas.
To give impaired children the opportunity to play freely and independently.
To give impaired children the choice to play with their peers or to play on their own.
To help customers (councils, schools, holiday parks etc.) to make life better for impaired children.
Imagination Play strives to provide all play space designers and customers with the products to create truly inclusive play spaces.
To view the entire of range of Imagination Play products visit www.imaginationplay.com.au
