Equitable Outdoor Play Design for Children and Families with Disabilities

Children with disabilities visit public playgrounds much less than typically developing children. This deprives them of physical and social-emotional benefits and of a sense of belonging in their community. Public playground designs and play equipment should be welcoming to all and offer the experiences children of all abilities request and seek: physical thrill, for instance from the feeling of speed or height, and the possibility of being with peers. This chapter focuses on research and practice recommendations for successful inclusive playground and play equipment design based on three considerations: Can all children get to the playground, can they stay and can they play there?