8 Keys to Inclusion
Playworld Systems has developed an independent, peer-reviewed educational and inspirational
resource for inclusive play covering subjects such as forming a planning committee to what should
be in a restroom at the playground. You can get it here: www.playworldsystems.com/IPDG
We have selected the most powerful ideas below.
Physical, Sensory and Social Activities
Offer activities that stimulate and affect the physical, sensory and
social well-being of children. Children of all abilities have varying needs,
so a mix of activities on the playground will encourage children to
reach individual goals.
Multiple Challenge Levels
Choose play activities that provide graduated levels of challenge
to ensure that all ages and abilities are actively engaged on the
playground.
Grouping of Activities
dsh1403066 • © 2014 Playworld Systems®, Inc.
Invite engagement between children of diverse abilities by locating
similar types of equipment in the same area. Contiguous play places
these activities together while co-located play encourages similar play
at various ability levels in close proximity.
Elevated Play
Children generally like the experience of height.
Being above everyone else is exciting and
provides a sense of accomplishment. Be sure
there are activities for all abilities at all elevations.
Pods, Rooms and Zones
Develop specialized areas of play around either
stimulating or calming activities. For those who
are easily stimulated, areas of quieter play can
be comforting. These areas are easily found via
the orientation pathways, which guide people
to different areas of play. For people with spatial
issue disabilities, these pathways offer security
without the fear of getting lost.
Unitary Surfacing
Protective surfacing (such as rubber tiles, mats,
turf, or a combination of energy absorbing
materials) forms a unitary shock absorbing
surface. This type of surfacing makes it easier for
wheelchairs and strollers to enter and navigate
in the playspace, unlike mulch or other loose
materials.
Routes and Maneuverability
Travel routes around and through the playground
and surrounding areas should be wide enough
for people and wheelchairs to pass, transfer onto
and off of equipment, and get close to activities.
The ‘Coolest Thing’
Identify the piece of equipment that children will
be most excited about and ensure that this play
activity is accessible and usable for all.
Lewisburg, PA | 800.233.8404 | +1.570.522.9800 | PlayworldSystems.com Inclusive Play Assessment Tool
Use this sheet to assess existing playgrounds. Find the Design Guide number in
Comments
*{{ Does the playground have at least one physical, sensory & social activity (PR)?_______________ *
{{ Are the activities contiguous or co-located (SE-2)?
___________________
*
{{ Do the activities provide children with multiple levels of challenge (SE-6)?___________________ *
*
{{ Are the activities placed in pods, rooms and zones (LA-6)?
*
{{ Does the playground use unitary surfacing (AC-1)?
___________________
___________________
TACTICAL
{{ Can children reach all of the activities (AC-2)?
___________________
{{ Is there good line of sight (LA-9)?
___________________
*{{ Are the routes around and through the playground wide enough
for everyone to maneuver (AC-5)?
___________________
{{ Are there good wayfinding tools used (LA-3)?
___________________
{{ Is there shade throughout the playground (SU-7)?
___________________
HEIGHT & OTHER ISSUES
{{ Does the playground have height?
___________________
If yes, (SE-1 & SE-5)
{{ Is there a reason for the height such as an amazing view or unique activities?______________ *
{{ On each platform is there an activity to do besides a slide and/or a climber?_______________ FINAL TOUCHES
{{ Is there a way for people to learn about the playground prior to arriving (SU-13)?_____________ ssh 1301076 © 2013 Playworld Systems®,
PlayworldSystems.com/