Charities and industry call for action to improve play opportunities for disabled children
Leading UK Charities and industry bodies call on UK councils to create accessible and inclusive child play spaces. The joint statement, launched today, addresses the need to uphold every child's right and need to play.
Including Disabled Children in Play Provision, a joint statement from the Children’s Play Policy Forum and UK Play Safety Forum, states that society has failed in producing enough accessible and inclusive places for children to play within a reasonable distance of their homes. It makes clear that
a positive, solution-focused attitude is essential to include disabled children
it is possible to make adaptations to increase accessibility and remove barriers to participation by engaging with and prioritising the needs of disabled children and their families,
there is an urgent need to change public attitudes
more welcoming spaces must be created which maximise the range of play opportunities offered by the equipment and the environment.
The statement also calls for consistent use of the terms accessible and inclusive play.
Play England’s Chair of Trustees, Anita Grant said:
It has been an excellent opportunity in being part of creating this statement to really explore what will make the difference for disabled children and their families in relation to accessing high quality play experiences that encompass the freedom, agency, risk and challenge that all children have the right to.
I hope this statement will open and support the discussion on real inclusion and increased accessibility for all children in all parks and open spaces.
Tim Gill, Chair, Chair UK Play Safety Forum said:
Just like any child, all disabled children need and want to play. But for decades, they have been left poorly served. This statement makes a powerful case for change, while acknowledging the challenges. Perhaps most importantly, it sets out a clear vision for new and improved play spaces that will engage children of all abilities.
Nicola Butler Chair Children’s Play Policy Forum added:
This statement will help build a better understanding of the barriers which keep many disabled children and their families excluded from local play spaces. Overcoming these barriers will bring benefits for non-disabled children too, as they learn through their interactions and engagement with disabled friends and peers.
Mark Hardy Chairman Association of Play Industries (API) stated:
API members have always strived to provide play facilities that offer an accessible local attraction, which engenders ownership from the entire community and provides a lasting legacy. We are delighted to have supported and contributed to this latest guidance to give greater clarity on the different priorities for ‘Accessible’ and ‘Inclusive’ play spaces.
In Scotland, Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said:
The Scottish Government’s ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up - a nation that values play as a life-enhancing daily experience for all our children and young people, regardless of background or circumstance.
Inclusion and accessibility are at the core of the national principles underpinning our £60 million investment in renewing play parks across Scotland. So, too, is listening to children and young people’s views about how they can be supported through play to be active, healthy and happy.
I welcome this statement on inclusive and accessible play which supports everyone involved in providing play spaces and environments to ensure they can be enjoyed by all children and families.
PlayBoard Northern Ireland CEO, Jacqueline O'Loughlin said: We know from our own research that families who have a child with a physical, learning, sensory, medical, undiagnosed or complex need continue to be excluded from play parks and travel long distances to access a play park that meets their family’s needs. All children and young people have the right to play in their local communities and interact with their peers. This statement aims to help those involved in play spaces and playgrounds such as local authorities and housing associations make their facilities more accessible and inclusive.
Chief Executive of Play Scotland, Marguerite Hunter Blair said:This ground-breaking Statement provides a clear explanation of how play provision and environments can enable all children to play together. Children of all abilities have the same right to play. A better understanding of the barriers faced by disabled children and their families will lead to enriched play experiences for all children and families.
Director of Play Wales, Mike Greenaway said:
Background: The UK Play Safety Forum and Children’s Play Policy Forum commissioned the joint statement Including Disabled Children in Play Provision.
A small group, which included a lived-experience representative, led the development of the statement - Marguerite Hunter Blair, Anita Grant, Alan Herron, Alix Crawford, Marianne Mannello, Andy Yates - supported by a group of Sector experts and the input of the Forums at consultation phase.
Current position: The UK Play Safety Forum and Children’s Play Policy Forum agree that all playgrounds and spaces should meet the accessible definition, to meet the needs of as many children, of as many varying abilities, as possible. And that the strategic provision of truly inclusive spaces at well-chosen destination sites is essential, to meet the needs of ALL children.
Key actions from the statement
A positive and solution-focused attitude is critical
to creating inclusive play space design, based on understanding and prioritising the needs of disabled children and making adaptations to include them.Children and their families want play spaces which include the range of features and facilities they need.
Play spaces should offer a balance of high to low challenge opportunities and a good mix of play features.
All children deserve to be able to enjoy play spaces that work well for them and their families within a reasonable distance of their home.
All play spaces should be developed through community participation, co-design, and co-production.
Who statement is aimed at
· Local authorities and play providers
· Parents, families and community groups
· Landscape architects
· Equipment providers
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