Access and Inclusion for All

Play is vital for children and all children have the right to play in meaningful ways. Access is more than physical access to the playground. It means ensuring all children can participate and play with or amongst peers at the playground. Questions to consider:

• Does the design offer the opportunity for all children to be included meaningfully in playground activities?
• Are children able to interact socially with other children?
• Are they able to have a meaningful role in the game or activity?

Other issues to consider include:

Physical Access

Use appropriate walkways, ramps, hand rails and landings to assist children with mobility issues access the play equipment.

Reach Ranges

The reach of children in wheelchairs should be considered when designing a playground. All equipment should be reachable to children who are in wheelchairs. Often play equipment requires a child to sit front on to the activity. This can make it difficult for a child in a wheelchair to participate. Consider equipment that has knee room underneath so they can sit comfortably front on to the activity, for example, cubby shop counters or raised tables or benches.

Visual Impairment 

Provide appropriate ground surfacing to help people with visual impairments find their way to and around playgrounds. For example, to indicate stairways, roads, car parks, bus stops, overhead hazards, ramps, or a change in direction of the pathway.

Sensory Elements 

Include a variety of sensory elements within the playspace to stimulate multiple senses and enhance the diversity of the environment. Landscaping can include plants with diverse textures, colours, scents and sounds. Diverse materials can be used for paths and other surfaces to offer different textures.

Parents & Carers 

Children with additional needs may require extra adult assistance or close supervision to safely enjoy outside play opportunities. Support parents and carers in this role by providing seating near key play equipment and room for them to assist children without impacting on other play activities.

For more information contact us on (08) 9340 8509 or email kidsafe@kidsafewa.com.au.