Activity 2.3 | Inclusivity

Accessible spaces are necessary for all children to be able to fully participate in programs. The BC Child Care Licensing Regulation governs the size of spaces and minimal materials, and equipment required in the Facility Requirements section. Most centres will try to have more than minimal equipment.

Disability advocate Rick Hansen was involved in the creation of a useful guide to help centres plan play spaces (2020). Spend some time reviewing the guide. 

Over the last decade, more accessible playgrounds have been included in recreational areas. Municipalities and First Nations are often able to find grants to purchase and build new equipment in parks and recreation centres that include children of all abilities. Early learning leaders in your community can get together to advocate for these resources if they are lacking.

One of the veteran playground systems businesses is Habitat Systems Inc., which serves Western Canada. One of their specialties is accessible equipment. This is not an endorsement of the company but is an example of where to find accessible equipment. Their website features this blog (Wilson, 2021), as well as others dedicated to inclusive playground design.

References

Wilson, S. (2021, March 18). Inclusive playground design for everyone. Habitat Systems. https://www.habitat-systems.com/inclusive-playground-design/

Rick Hansen Foundation. (2020). A guide to creating accessible play spaces. https://www.rickhansen.com/sites/default/files/2020-03/sch-35913-guide-creating-accessible-play-spacesen2020web.pdf