All Aboard the Inclusive Playground: A Wonderland for Every Child
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All-Inclusive Recreational Space for All Ages and Abilities - A versatile haven for everyone
Amidst the bustling football arena in Mainz, a beacon of unity flares up with the opening of a inclusive playground. Crafted by the "Piece of Luck" initiative by "Aktion Mensch" and notable companies, this playground is a sanctuary where children, regardless of their abilities, can frolic together.
Adorned with Braille signs and equipped with barrier-free carousels, this haven is a testament to inclusivity. The play equipment, designed lower than usual and set on a rubber surface, allows children in wheelchairs easy access. A carousel, a fan-favorite, is mounted at ground-level, catering to the needs of children confined to wheelchairs.
The Study on the Table
In a 2023 study by "Aktion Mensch", mere 21% of playgrounds in Germany offer inclusivity, enabling interaction between children with and without disabilities in designated zones. Rhineland-Palatinate, the region where Mainz resides, falls even lower, presenting a 17.5% inclusivity rate in the study.
Inevitably, inclusive playgrounds carry a 30-40% higher price tag, according to Uwe Lersch, playground planner at Kompan, the manufacturer responsible for the installation in Mainz, which marks Rhineland-Palatinate's first inclusive playground as part of the "Aktion Mensch" initiative.
Germany: The Laggard Nation
Globally, more than 55 of these magical domains have been established, some refurbished rather than newly constructed. Characterized by complete inclusivity, these playgrounds prioritize accessibility, making them usable via car or public transportation.
Alas, Germany is lagging behind in embracing this philosophy compared to other nations. Lersch remarks, "In some countries, the construction of inclusive playgrounds is even mandated by law." The ambassador of this initiative is the diminutive Mathias Mester, who secured the silver medal in shot put at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. Mester Draws from personal experience, having been excluded and overlooked, "I don't want disabled children to experience similar feelings on these inclusive playgrounds."
Playing as One Team
Excluding disabled children from such inclusive playgrounds is unprecedented, as they flourish in an environment that fosters comradery. These playgrounds serve as an avenue for children to learn that diversity is natural, and it's common to come across individuals with diverse abilities. Engaging in shared experiences strengthens the bond and reinforces mutual understanding.
The effervescent ten-year-old Metin, who relies on his wheelchair, echoes a similar sentiment. He narrates, "Several pieces of equipment are inaccessible for me alone, such as swings. I always need assistance. Being able to play independently is wonderful!"
Enrichment Insights:
- Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway have enforced comprehensive accessibility laws, requiring public spaces, including playgrounds, to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
- In Canada, the Accessible Canada Act aims to make the country barrier-free by 2040. This act may exert pressure on the design of public spaces, which could impact playgrounds.
- Research in Australia is focused on developing accessible playgrounds for children with vision impairment, pointing toward a trend of increasingly inclusive playground design.
- The International Building Code (IBC) in the USA contains provisions for accessible design in buildings and public spaces, which might apply to playgrounds on a local level.
- Kyrgyzstan, a country that has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, encourages the creation of accessible environments, despite specific regulations for playgrounds not being detailed.
- Local governments worldwide have a significant role in fostering accessibility through zoning laws and local regulations, which may call for inclusive playgrounds.
- In the context of a community policy, it's essential to consider the implementation of vocational training programs that cater to diverse abilities. By doing so, we foster a lifestyle where every individual, regardless of their disabilities, has the opportunity to acquire skills for home-and-garden maintenance, thereby enhancing their independence.
- As part of an inclusive playground's ethos, it goes beyond providing facilities for physical play. Vocational training and skill-building workshops for children could be integrated into the playground's schedule, allowing kids to learn various life skills while enjoying a communal setting.
