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U Design an inclusive playground
Materials: Paper, pencil
"Let's play!" Saying or hearing these two simple words has a huge impact. For children, it means a way to make new friends and have fun. For adults, it brings back memories of a simpler time. Playgrounds not only help children's social skills, but also help them with their motor skills and physical well-being. It is hard to imagine a childhood without play time, but for many children with disabilities or accessibility challenges, this can be the case; they may be left to watch their friends play while being left on the sidelines, leading to loneliness and exclusion.
The problem: Can you create a playground that improves accessibility for children with disabilities?
Inclusive features:
1. Ramps instead of steps. -This way, when a child runs around the playground, his or her friend can join in even if that friend uses a wheelchair or walker.
2. Group swing sets- can be built to accommodate children of all abilities, by having a single loading point from a ramp. For swing sets designed for solo use,
3. Accessible swing seats - these provide additional back and trunk support, for children who may have less balance; some swing sets may even have seat belts for children with no balance at all. Some swings also allow children to play without leaving their wheelchairs at all.
4. Transfer stations -some children may want to get out of their wheelchairs and mobility devices, so lowered steps with hand rails (called transfer stations) can also be a good feature to have as well.
5. Sound and sight play playgrounds- these can also stimulate those with sight and hearing impairments. Drums, chimes and other things that make noise or music can help children with limited hearing get used to how sounds or vibrations work; they can also benefit children without hearing impairments by stimulating their hearing and sensory skills.
6. Braille spaces- having play spaces with Braille can also unite children with or without sight impairments; it not only allows visually-impaired children to practice their Braille, but can also help their friends understand how they can participate in the world around them. It is not just about the children
Look at the features above and on a piece of paper do a quick layout sketch of how you would create this playground. You must include each one of the inclusive designs mentioned above in your 3D model. To give you a strong visual guide to follow you can use the inks below to take inspiration and ideas from, open them into new tabs.
This project is going to involve you first taking a playground apart then redesigning it to become an inclusive playground. Check out the video below first to see how to ungroup a model.
Now choose from the designs below to start your project
Each group member will have a different design, so share what you have done as you are building it with your classmates. Ask them what they like about your design and what you can improve on. Look at their ideas with their playground and perhaps determine a way you could bring your playgrounds together to form a larger structure!
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