Why an intentional design approach is needed
By Jill Moore
Thanks to the hard work of parents, advocates, and cities, inclusive playgrounds have become more common across the U.S. in recent years, and calls for inclusive play spaces continue to grow. This momentum is crucial to giving children of all abilities spaces where they can play side-by-side. But as interest grows, so does the risk that inclusive play becomes a buzzword rather than a meaningful, multifaceted goal.
Too often, playgrounds are labeled as inclusive because they check a single box, like meeting ADA compliance, rather than addressing the diverse needs of children with different disabilities. Likewise, some playground equipment is marketed as inclusive but then fails the usability test when children with a range of abilities play on it.
Truly inclusive playgrounds go further. They embrace the motto of today’s disability rights movement: “Nothing about us without us.” Because only by considering the different physical, sensory, cognitive, and social needs of children with different disabilities can cities create places where all children feel welcome—and where inclusion is more than a slogan.