08/04/2021
Amazing Sensory Playgrounds:
Play is the key to inclusion. When bringing your typically developing children to a sensory playground, you surmise bouncy, giggles, excitement, and positive interactions. Assisting a youth with special needs likewise boomerangs joyous reaction which is evident on the youth’s face during their playground enjoyment; you can see their hearts’ contentment. Playgrounds offer developing milestones by emphasizing the abilities of All youth, regardless of their developing spectrum; even special needs youth with their disabilities.
For kids on the autism spectrum or with other special needs, a trip to the neighborhood playground can be overwhelming, socially confusing, and even unsafe. For, instance, youth on the autism spectrum may experience sensory dysregulation from feeling overwhelmed, and this can be challenging for siblings and friends to process. That is why changes afoot in playground design are so welcome.
Modern playground design is pivoting towards meeting the needs of all children, and this has spawned great play places, usually referred to as "inclusive" or "sensory" playgrounds.
What makes a play space a "sensory playground"? In short, it is an inclusive place for kids to play. The space may be fully accessible for kids who use wheelchairs and/or provide enclosures to ward-off, or to minimize, kids who may wander or bolt. These playgrounds typically offer sensory options for kids who seek them, such as wind chimes, sand to dig in, nubby surfaces, mazes to explore, mirrors, kaleidoscopes, or bouncy swings.
They also often feature safe places to escape for children who seek refuge from typical playground hubbub; these may encompass an alcove, play cave or wiggle tube. Structures to scramble up and climb on help build muscle strength and balance, while soft surfaces below cushion potential falls.
Also, maintaining sanitary safety are necessary, even when playing at the playground. So, make sure to bring your masks and hand sanitize, and have a back-up plan if the play area is overly populated with playing children and observant parents.
Children need care that promotes positive emotional health and well-being and that supports their overall mental health, including a positive sense of self.
Is this playground inclusive for All Children???
Yes or No