ADA Accessible Vs. Inclusive Playgrounds
When it was enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provided a solid foundation for creating an accessible playground. If public funds are used for design and construction, building codes require that a new playground include accessible routes, accessible equipment, ground-level play opportunities, and accessible/impact-attenuating surfaces. However, these features are not always provided, especially in older playgrounds, and even when they are, they don’t necessarily meet today’s inclusive play standards.
An inclusive playground goes beyond doing the minimum required to meet the code-compliant definition of accessible. The goal is to provide an environment and play components that address the physical, sensory, cognitive, social, emotional, imaginative, and communication needs of everyone who visits the playground. It aims to dispel the stigmas of disability and accessibility while providing opportunities for engagement and interaction.
For example, an inclusive swing set includes a specialized chair for those who cannot use a standard swing. Providing this equipment is important, but equally important is ensuring you are not offering a single specialized swing located far from the standard swings. You should aim to integrate your inclusive swing into the same row as the standard swings. Furthermore, you should take steps to ensure it is one of the most sought-after attractions, even among able-bodied users, thanks to features like bold colors and comfort. This can go a long way toward reducing stigma by ensuring that all children use the same equipment and play in the same area. This same philosophy should apply when you decide how to integrate all of your playground’s inclusive equipment.
