Charity urges for inclusive playgrounds for disabled children

Scope, the disability and equality charity, is calling on the government to invest in a multi-million-pound Inclusive Playgrounds Fund to provide safe places for disabled children to play.

Research by the charity shows parents of disabled children don’t feel that playgrounds are designed with their children in mind which therefore creates a barrier for their child.

The barriers faced by disabled children include a lack of inclusive playground equipment and a lack of access into the playground itself with narrow spaces and uneven terrain, meaning many disabled children are unable to enjoy their local playground as it isn’t designed for them.

Scope is asking the government to fix this problem by creating an Inclusive Playgrounds Fund with their latest campaign “Let’s Play Fair” in the hope that local councils can work with disabled children and their families to design playgrounds that work for them.

About the importance of having accessible playgrounds, the charity says:

Play is fundamental to a child’s development and wellbeing, and playgrounds facilitate this. Inclusive playgrounds are places where all children, can be themselves and form memories that last a lifetime. Not being able to access these play spaces can increase exclusion and isolation.

There are over one million disabled children in the UK and every one of those children has a right to access a playground where they can learn, explore, stay active, make friends and socialise.

Scope’s research shows that life is harder than it should be for parents with a disabled child. They found that the parents’ time, resilience, finances, and choices available are all affected which will likely influence their child's development. Having playgrounds which are accessible and safe for disabled children means their choices are no longer limited.

With the help of the proposed Inclusive Playgrounds Fund, the charity says:

We want to see accessible equipment, sensory opportunities, appropriate surfaces and fences. These changes make play fun, safe and open to all children.

To get involved and show your support, you can sign the open letter from Scope here.

Scope, the disability and equality charity, is calling on the government to invest in a multi-million-pound Inclusive Playgrounds Fund to provide safe places for disabled children to play.

Research by the charity shows parents of disabled children don’t feel that playgrounds are designed with their children in mind which therefore creates a barrier for their child.

The barriers faced by disabled children include a lack of inclusive playground equipment and a lack of access into the playground itself with narrow spaces and uneven terrain, meaning many disabled children are unable to enjoy their local playground as it isn’t designed for them.

Scope is asking the government to fix this problem by creating an Inclusive Playgrounds Fund with their latest campaign “Let’s Play Fair” in the hope that local councils can work with disabled children and their families to design playgrounds that work for them.

About the importance of having accessible playgrounds, the charity says:

Play is fundamental to a child’s development and wellbeing, and playgrounds facilitate this. Inclusive playgrounds are places where all children, can be themselves and form memories that last a lifetime. Not being able to access these play spaces can increase exclusion and isolation.

There are over one million disabled children in the UK and every one of those children has a right to access a playground where they can learn, explore, stay active, make friends and socialise.

Scope’s research shows that life is harder than it should be for parents with a disabled child. They found that the parents’ time, resilience, finances, and choices available are all affected which will likely influence their child's development. Having playgrounds which are accessible and safe for disabled children means their choices are no longer limited.

With the help of the proposed Inclusive Playgrounds Fund, the charity says:

We want to see accessible equipment, sensory opportunities, appropriate surfaces and fences. These changes make play fun, safe and open to all children.

To get involved and show your support, you can sign the open letter from Scope here.