Inclusive Play - 7 Principles of Universal Design

Inclusive Play - 7 Principles of Universal Design

Supporting materials are available in PDF from our this website page on inclusive playgrounds

Inclusive Play Benefits

Inclusive Play Model Environment

Inclusive Play Overview

Inclusive Play Activity Grids

Inclusive Play Checklist


If you want a complete packet on inclusive play and the 7 benefits please request a catalog by clicking here - Inclusive Playground Packet - Make sure to put inclusive play in the notes of your request



1 - Be Fair
The play environment provides social justice by being equitable and usable by children of all abilities so they can enjoy their right to play.

Guidelines

a. Provide appropriate surfacing and site design for physical access into and throughout the play environment so children can actively engage in social and physical play activities.

b. Offer equitable opportunities for everyone to participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate forms of play.

c. Promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance by providing integrated activities throughout the play environment that encourage exploration, problem solving and discovery.

Example

An accessible pathway to and throughout the play environment allows people of all abilities to participate in play.



2 - Be Included

The play environment supports the participation of individuals with diverse abilities in social and physical activities for inclusive, multigenerational play.

Guidelines

a. Organize the play environment to provide various types (physical, social, sensorimotor, constructive, etc.) and forms (autonomous, parallel, cooperative, etc.) of play so there is something fun for everyone.

b. Provide a balanced variety and a continuum of developmentally appropriate physical and social activities, throughout the play environment, which are dynamic and accommodate individuals’ diverse abilities.

c. Provide choices in method of participation or use. d. Provide meaningful opportunities for inclusive, multigenerational play.

Example

Social gathering spaces under decks and along accessible pathways allow children of all abilities to be included.



3 Be Smart

The play environment allows children to effectively explore and participate in play at their own level.

Guidelines

a. Design the play environment with a variety of multi-sensory features that are organized to provide meaningful cues

b. Provide intentional multi-sensory (auditory, visual, tactile) stimuli through a variety of play activities.

c. Offer opportunities for children of all abilities to access and engage in the play environment as independently as possible.

Example

Accessible transfer decks designed strategically with play activities like slides allow children with adaptive equipment to successfully engage in their natural play behaviors.



4 Be Independent

The play environment allows children to effectively explore and participate in play at their own level.

Guidelines

a. Design the play environment with a variety of multi-sensory features that are organized to provide meaningful cues.

b. Provide intentional multi-sensory (auditory, visual, tactile) stimuli through a variety of play activities.

c. Offer opportunities for children of all abilities to access and engage in the play environment as independently as possible.

Example

Equipment, like ramps, and multisensory features in the environment allow children to effectively explore and participate in play more independently.



5 Be Safe

The play environment addresses current safety standards while providing developmental opportunities needed for exploration and challenge.

Guidelines

a. Provide safer play activities and environments, through graduated levels of challenge, that allow children to explore, interact, and experience developmentally appropriate risk.

b. Support children’s emotional feelings of security so they are more likely to engage in play.

c. Accommodate for comfortable supervision and ongoing maintenance.

Example

Benches placed throughout the play environment offer jump-in-points for kids while also promoting adult supervision.



6 Be Active

The play environment supports various degrees of physical and social participation in play while minimizing unnecessary fatigue.

Guidelines

a. Allow individuals to maintain neutral body position so they can actively sustain their engagement in physical and social play.

b. Include play activities that require reasonable operating forces and integrate alternatives to sustained physical effort or repetitive actions.

c. Provide for a range of developmental opportunities for challenge to accommodate children’s diverse physical characteristics.

d. Offer balanced opportunities for social play throughout the play environment, by providing a variety of play activities at the ground level and under decks.

Example

Play equipment like the One-for-All swing provides support for children of all abilities to experience the joy of movement.



7 Be Comfortable

The play environment is usable for individuals with sensory needs, diverse body size, posture, mobility, and motor control.

Guidelines

a. Provide play activities with comfortable approach and reach for a seated or standing child.

b. Accommodate variations in gross and fine motor control for manipulation of play activities.

c. Provide comfortable space for movement throughout the play environment for individuals with assistive devices and/or personal assistance.

d. Provide a range of environmental conditions, like shade, to accommodate children’s diverse comfort characteristics.

Example

Features like this accessible Fire Truck Cab allow children of all abilities to comfortably approach and reach the activity while the open space inside supports comfortable movement.



Call us at 1-800-888-2889 to discuss your Inclusive play or Boundless playground.

Or Request a Playground Equipment Catalog and put a note about your interest in accessible playgrounds!

Dinner feeds playground

http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/532319.html?nav=5005
aPROJECT BE SOMEBODY, a nonprofit organization formed by a group of Leavittsburg-Braceville parents to renovate the LaBrae Sports Complex off Route 82 in Braceville, is planning a wheelchair accessible playground for children of all different capability levels.

The organization is working with Snider and Associates on designing the playground. Grants, fundraising and donations are being sought.

A spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction fundraiser will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at LaBrae High School. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for students, and free to those 3 and younger. Donations of items for the auction are being sought.

For more information, call 330-469-3492 or visit www.projectbesomebodyteamworktogether.com.
www.cvsnider.com

Playgrounds for children devasted by natural disasters, econimic stress, and war

http://www.kidsaroundtheworld.com/playgrounds.htm
Kids around the world is a faith based organization that brings hope to children who have been devestated by natural disasters, econimic stress, and war. They restore hope with the power of play - They build playgrounds - see upcoming installations in ecuador, mexico, haiti, panama, honduras, new orleans

Playground Safety Surface: Recycled Rubber on Playgrounds and Playground Equipment

FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Denise R. Calabrese, Executive Director
info@ipema.org
717-238-1744
Association Releases Information Regarding Use of Recycled Rubber on Playgrounds
HARRISBURG - Recently, media reports have raised questions about the use of recycled
rubber on playgrounds. As a leader of the play equipment and related materials industry, the
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) investigated various studies
and reports related to this issue. The investigations revealed the following facts:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently studied air and surface samples at four
fields and playgrounds that use recycled tires – the same material that cushions the ground
under the Obama family’s new play set at the White House. The limited study, conducted in
August through October 2008, found that the concentrations of materials that made up tire
crumb were below levels considered harmful. In addition, the overall study protocol and many
of the methods were found to be appropriate and could be implemented in the field.
(The details of the EPA’s study can be found at http://www.epa.gov/nerl/features/tire_crumbs.html)
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment of the California Environmental
Protection Agency tested skin sensitization by playground surfaces made of recycled tires and
found no sensitization observed suggesting that these surfaces would not cause skin
sensitization in children, nor would they be expected to elicit skin reaction in children already
sensitized to latex.
(Study dated January 2007 can be viewed at: www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/Tires/62206013.pdf)
ChemRisk, Inc. in Pittsburgh conducted a review of exposure to recycled tire rubber found on
playgrounds and synthetic turf fields. They concluded that no adverse human health or
ecological health effects are likely to result from these beneficial reuses of tire materials.
(Study dated July 17, 2008. Detailed information and more studies can be found at
http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=91)
(more)
2-2-2-2
A comprehensive review of the available literature on the potential health effects of crumb
rubber infill from synthetic turf fields was conducted by TRC on behalf of the New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This review demonstrated that the major health
concern of these fields is related to heat. Eleven different risk assessments applied various
available concentrations of COPCs and none identified an increased risk for human health
effects as a result of ingestion, dermal or inhalation exposure to crumb rubber.
(Study dated May 2008 can be reviewed by visiting
www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/eode/turf_report_05-08.pdf)
IPEMA does not dictate or recommend whether its members use recycled rubber in their
products. It is the choice of the individual member. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) determines and guides the safety issues facing the playground equipment
industry. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has endorsed the use of
recycled rubber to cushion the surfaces of children’s playgrounds. For more information, visit
http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/tools/cpg/products/playgrnd.htm.
IPEMA encourages its members to follow the guidelines of the CPSC. IPEMA will respond
appropriately if the CPSC or EPA identifies recycled tire rubber as a play hazard. The CPSC,
the Centers for Disease Control and the EPA recommend that young children wash their hands
frequently after playing outside and always before they eat. IPEMA also recommends these
practices. IPEMA is always interested in reviewing new safety information, including any
independent, third party, scientific studies concerning the use of recycled tires. IPEMA will be
monitoring the EPA 2010 meeting with federal and state agencies that will review all new
study data and determine next steps.
IPEMA provides a voluntary third-party product certification to ASTM safety standards in the
U.S. and Canada for playground products, including surfacing materials. Those interested in
learning more about play equipment and surfacing safety are encouraged to visit
www.ipema.org.
# # #

Jamey Snider appointed to International Playground Contractor’s Association (NPCAI)

Snider & Associates, Inc. would like to congratulate Jamey Snider & Associates, Inc., on his appointment to this respected commercial playground equipment and installation organization. The International Playground Contractor’s Association (NPCAI) was formed to contribute to the advancement of the commercial playground building industry by promoting playground installation as a legitimate contracting profession. This is one more commitment from Snider & Associates to ensure customers get a quality playground installation from a qualified playground contractor.

As a principal playground design consultant at Snider & Associates, Inc., Jamey Snider has been very influential in thousands of playground projects. “We are very fortunate to have Jamey Snider represent us on an international level. Snider & Associates, Inc. has long been a regional leader(Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan) in the playground industry it only seemed fitting we reach out to help others in the playground construction market.“ said Chuck Snider after hearing the news. Jeff Snider added that “He will be an invaluable asset because of his life long experience installing and designing playgrounds.” Jamey is looking forward to interacting and exchanging ideas with his fellow members about the playgrounds and children in a professional and “playful” way!

Snider and Associates (cvsnider.com) has been providing top quality park, athletic and commercial playground equipment to the school, early education, parks and recreation industry since the 80's. We represent a number of excellent playground equipment manufacturers and are committed to providing only the finest, safest products at the most competitive prices. Not only are our playground products of the highest quality, we also address environmental issues by aggressively marketing our recycled products and processes. The playground equipment manufacturers we represent are dedicated to the same issues and several of them have selected Snider and Associates as their exclusive representative.

Located in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, our sales representatives ensure total customer satisfaction by offering ongoing and comprehensive follow-up. This policy ensures that the products purchased from Snider and Associates Inc. meet your standards and expectations.

Our line of recreational products includes but is not limited to:
- Outdoor playground equipment;
- Water park equipment;
- Aluminum bleachers;
- Floating boat docks and boat lifts;
- Stationary boat docks;
- Site furnishings;
- Bicycle racks;
- Trash receptacles;
- Park benches;
- Picnic tables;
- Outdoor playground safety surface;
- Shelters - park pavilions, gazebos and other park shelter structures;
- Volleyball equipment for schools and parks;
- Basketball equipment for schools and parks.

Discover our PASSION for playgrounds by contacting us at 1-800-888-2889 or email us.