This post was sponsored by Landscape Structures as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Inclusive Playgrounds are playgrounds designed for kids of all abilities to play together in a safe place and are becoming more and more popular. You have probably heard about inclusive play from another mom or you will very soon because the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) provides standards for playgrounds that are now being enforced. Filled with sensory rich experiences, kids with and without disabilities have plenty of options once they set foot on the playground and many reasons to visit. Here are our top 3 reasons you and your family should visit an inclusive playground today.
Promotes Inclusion
Wouldn’t the world just be a better place if it was like an inclusive playground? Imagine every child no matter their ability level, race, gender or age all playing and exploring together. Imagine different types of people in the same community learning, having fun, interacting and including with each other! This is just what an inclusive playground does for a community and its kids especially as our communities continue to become increasingly diverse!
Teaches Compassion
The other day my kids and I were at a park with a Landscape Structure inclusion playground and there was a little boy with only one arm playing next to us. Later on my youngest daughter came up and asked me why that little boy only had one arm. As I explained to her a couple of reasons why it could be I watched her process the information. My heart was so warm when she said, “I hope it doesn’t hurt him Mom- he is just a kid like me and I like playing with him no matter what.” She didn’t see him as different but just like her. She was compassionate about his needs. Playing together with him on the playground was helping teach her to be compassionate and about inclusion of all.
At Landscape Structures they believe kids learn life lessons such as leadership, persistence, support and empathy through inclusive play so that’s exactly why they create play environments where all kids can play together. We are so fortunate to live in a large metro area where there are several Landscape Structure playgrounds that we can visit and meet new friends! Lucky for you, they have playgrounds nation-wide too so there’s a good chance you can find an inclusive playground near you here.
Promotes Active Play
I believe accessibility to play for all kids is so important not just socially but for physical development! All kids need physical activity(active play) that gets their blood pumping and helps them to develop and grow. Inclusive playgrounds (like the ones built by Landscape Structures) are a place where kids can run, swing, climb, spin and slide which will help develop their physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills . This is especially important to kids with disabilities who have a harder time getting in active play because perhaps they are confined in a wheel chair or have another kind of sensory limitation. Wheelchair accessible ramps, transfer points and customized equipment like special swings allow all kids to get in their “active play” and enjoy themselves.
Sensory Awareness Month
Don’t forget October is Sensory Awareness Month, a time to help increase awareness of sensory processing and how if affects not only children, but adults, every day. It is also a great time for you and your family to find and visit an inclusive playground and meet some new friends! Have fun!
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