Create A Handicap Accessible Playground
Normal and physically handicapped children should be encouraged to play together in a playground. Many playgrounds are not handicap accessible and this creates a separation between them. We must increase the interaction between non handicapped children and the handicapped children and aid in creating friendships and understandings. Start by creating wheelchair ramps all around the playground equipment so the handicapped children can go where everyone else can go.
What to put in a Handicap Playground
Have low level monkey bars, so children in wheelchairs can reach and pull on them. The American Disabilities Act has a guideline for them to be 53″ high x 36″ wide x 10 feet long.
Put swings that have a wider seat with safety belts. You can even install swings that can hook on to a manual wheelchair and swing the entire wheelchair.
Cover the playground floors with a soft material like rubber to cushion the falls. Install railings to assist the physically handicapped children throughout the handicap playground.
As the children play together, they will be more receptive to the differences in all peoples. Handicapped children will also gain more confidence in themselves through play. We must get the proper handicapped playground equipment for handicapped child.
