Growing Inclusion in Playgrounds & Parks (From Home & Classroom Vol. 9/Family)
GROWING INCLUSION
IN PLAYGROUNDS & PARKS BY AMELIA GREEN
For many people, the family looks less like a tree and more like a garden of people who love you unconditionally. The uniqueness and beauty of family can be seen in a specific light in the lives of children with disabilities. Many diagnoses come with not only new vocabulary but also experts, doctors, therapists, case workers, and other people entering the life of the family. These relationships can develop and last for years. These people often need to know intimate details, not only about the development of the child but also about the life of the family so they can best support the whole child. Disabilities and the limitations associated with them can leave families feeling isolated and with that understanding, compassionate and patient friends can often become closer than biological family. Being accepted as they are and being able to fully participate in life are the goals for all families but especially for those people living with a disability. If a disability has not affected you personally yet, it will as roughly 56.7 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of disability – this means you must not just prepare for these potentially difficult conversations about differences but proactively promote inclusion in our everyday activities.
INCLUSION IS UNIQUE TO EACH FAMILY
Inclusion can have a unique meaning to each family yet remain a consistent family value. For everyone, inclusion is a word with more than one meaning that can be modeled or shown in infinite ways. The Oxford dictionary defines inclusion as, “the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure; the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of other minority groups.” For people and their families living with a disability, the goal is for inclusion to look seamless and not be forced. We see inclusion every day in many ways – wheelchair ramps, an American Sign Language or other language interpreter, buttons that open doors, Braille in public spaces, chirping traffic signals, and many others you may see when you look for them. Environmental inclusion helps people to be included in more public or physical spaces but it does not mean that they are seen and respected for who they are. You may have seen this quote floating around, “Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.” This shows the layers of inclusion as well as the importance of not just having a voice being represented but actually being heard and respected. Given the number of children and adults living with disabilities, it is important that we actively teach inclusion to young children so that we as a society can evolve to hearing everyone and giving them a strong voice as an individual from a young age. Just like each individual is unique and beautiful, the ways of including others can be equally special.
INCLUSION STARTS WITH REPRESENTATION
For most children, inclusion starts with the representation of people of different abilities or appearances in the child’s environment. With a growing global emphasis on inclusion and representation, there are more books and materials available for children of all ages which highlight and include people with disabilities. We can see inclusion in story books with children in wheelchairs in the photos, the highlighting of sign language in board books for babies, and characters with autism which positively highlight common behaviors such as difficulty with eye contact and repetitive behaviors. It is also far more common to see children with all kinds of disabilities such as limb differences, Down syndrome, or children using a variety of assistive devices in everything from books and puzzles to advertisements, film and television media, and music. Bringing young children to an accessible playground is a great way for them to see and socialize with children with different strengths and needs. In the Capital District, there are a number of accessible playgrounds. In Schenectady County, Central Park features a squishy surface rather than the traditional wood chips and ramps to access the jungle gym and slides. In Colonie, there is Cook Park which features a number of inclusive play areas including swings a parent can ride with a child who may not have the physical ability to do so alone. In Wilton, parents worked to bring an inclusive playground to Burgess Kimball Memorial Park. Some of the features chosen by the parents are sensory elements like bongo drums, transitional steps, a modified teeter-totter, swings with extra support, and a chair that moves side to side and front to back with the force of other children. At Maalwyck Park in Glenville, there are new inclusive swings and a merry-go-round to be enjoyed. The Kids Creek Side Village playground in Ballston Spa also features a squishy surface and all of the play area is fenced in. If you feel like traveling for an amazing and immersive nature experience be sure to check out the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park about four hours west of Albany.
“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.”
It was inspired by a Capital District mother and her young son who found that being in and connected to nature helped him in countless ways, including in his ability to relate to the world. The one mile, looped trail is completely handicap accessible and features eight stations that offer experiences that range from quiet engagement with nature to areas for active exploration and adventure. The trail was built through a public-private partnership and campaign which raised $3.7 million to allow for maintenance, operations, and programming for the existing future and hopefully forever. This shows the recognition on so many levels of the importance of places that promote inclusion and togetherness across New York State and the United States as well. There are many other accessible and inclusive play areas throughout New York State so think about checking one out next time you go out to play. Not only will your child get to see what play and fun look like for children who may be different from them but those children get to experience your child as well. The ability to see a child’s strengths first as well as how easy adaptation and accommodation is very clear in these environments. Everyone wins when we can all play together! When talking to children, validate their feelings about disability. Let them know it is okay to be afraid or unsure of differences but then show them all the similarities and ways that a person with disabilities is just like them or special in other ways. With a little encouragement and education, beautiful friendships bloom and everyone’s garden can grow.
SPACES SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE FOR ALL
Find an accessible park with our Summer Fun map
For families of children with special needs, it is equally important for them to feel included as well as have spaces that feel safe and comfortable for the entire family. For many families of children with disabilities, it may not be possible or feel comfortable to venture out into many public spaces. There are many unknowns in new or busy places – not knowing safety precautions, children’s reaction to things, the public perception and welcoming of the child and the disability, and numerous other factors. For these families, it may feel safer to start with public spaces that dedicate time and space to little ones with disabilities. In the Capital Region, there are different options for families to enjoy. On the first Saturday of every month, from 8-10 am, at the Get Air Trampoline Park in Crossgates Mall, the music volume is lowered and the atmosphere is calmer. A parent or guardian can jump for free and siblings are welcome. Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E Cheese in Latham feature reduced lighting and noise, as well as disability-trained staff. This takes place on the first Sunday of the month and the facility opens two hours early for this special time. Bring on the Spectrum in Albany is a brand new sensory gym for children and adults and a community space offering social and recreational activities such as art, board games, music, yoga, and Zumba. The Capital District Miracle League is located in East Greenbush and has adapted sports programs to fit all abilities. Music Speaks offers music therapy services throughout the Capitol District in individual and small group settings as well as virtually. Check in with your local library to see if they offer any sensory-friendly or inclusive story times or play groups. If they don’t, now is the perfect time for you to become part of the change to a more inclusive world! Ask them if you could help them to start such a group and start spreading the word to create more safe spaces for all families in your community.
INCLUSION IS AN EXTENSION OF LOVE & HOPE
While the precise definition is different for everyone- with family comes unending love and hope. With this foundation, we can build on the message of inclusion as an extension of our love and hope for a future where everyone can sit together at the table and be heard equally. By seeing, discussing, and including disability as a family, we can ensure that future gardens can grow to be as beautiful and full as possible.
Find this article and more in Home & Classroom Vol. 09/Family
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