Title:
A Higher Level of Inclusive Play: Emerging trends require a new
approach to inclusive playground design
Full Session Description:
The playground should be a place for laughter, friends and fun, for all. Traditional universally
accessible playgrounds tend to focus on accessible design and age or developmentally
appropriate play activities. According to the CDC, one in 88 children has autism. Sensory
Processing Disorder is prevalent among children with autism as well as children with and
without disabilities, making it challenging for them to interpret sensory messages and to engage
in play, interact and learn. All children learn through their senses. Sensory focused play
activities develop functional skills, build confidence, imagination and social skills. New research
shows intentionally designed sensory-rich playgrounds can foster social interactions and
develop play skills among children of all abilities, thereby providing a higher level of inclusive
play for all.
Summary Session Description:
The playground should be a place for laughter, friends and fun, for all. Traditional playgrounds
focus on accessible design and developmentally appropriate play activities. According to the
CDC, one in 88 children has autism. Research shows sensory play activities develop functional
skills, imagination and social skills for children with ASD.
Needs Identification:
The playground should be a place for laughter, friends and fun, for all. Playgrounds are a place
for play and learning, where children develop physical and cognitive skills, and where they build
valuable social relationships. Unfortunately traditional playgrounds do not meet the needs of a
growing population of children and their families. Many parents of children with emotional and
developmental disabilities report they simply do not go to the playground. Even universally
accessible playgrounds tend to focus only on accessible design and age or developmentally
appropriate play activities. This presentation will focus on the opportunity parks and recreation
professionals have to design playgrounds offering a higher level of inclusive play.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 1 in 88 children have autism, representing
a 50% increase since 2000. Sensory Processing Disorder is prevalent in children with autism
as well as children with and without disabilities (estimates are between15 to 18 percent of
children exhibit Sensory Disorders); making it a challenge for them to interpret sensory
messages from inside and outside the body and to engage in play, interact and learn. All
children learn through their senses. Sensory experiences are universal in that they appeal to all
children. New research shows that intentionally designed sensory-rich playgrounds engage all
children’s senses, and provide a therapeutic “sensory diet” enabling children to find common
ground, and develop imagination and social skills. Inclusive playgrounds should meet the needs
of all children in the same place and in a variety of ways.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the differences between a place space that simply meets ADA
requirements and one that is inclusive.
2. Articulate the developmental benefits all children receive while playing on a specially
designed sensory-rich, inclusive playground.
3. Identify the play challenges affecting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related
Sensory Processing Disorders.
4. Design an inclusive playground with the special emphasis on sensory-stimulating play
experiences.
Learner Assessment:
Individual written exercise (6 questions)
Detailed Outline:
Emerging trends require a new approach to inclusive playground design
1. Introduction: What is a “higher level of inclusive playground design?”
a. Why are we seeing a growing interest in more inclusive play spaces
b. What is the goal of an Inclusive Playground? (audience participation group
activity)
c. Who is the audience an inclusive playground really serves? (audience
participation group activity)
2. Historical perspective on playground design
a. ASTM and CPSC for safety and developmentally appropriate
b. ADAAG for accessibility
c. Does accessible = inclusive?
3. Comparison of disability statistics in the US 1990 – 2010
a. 1990 population when ADAAG was drafted
b. 2010 current population – emerging trends present different challenges
4. Demographic statistics on growing prevalence of social/emotional and sensory
disabilities
a. Review of CDC studies
b. Prevalence in both public school and community playground environments
5. Introducing a new ‘best practice’ model for inclusive playground design
6. Characteristics of Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
a. Neuro-developmental disorders
b. Challenges with play, socialization, imagination
c. Therapeutic objectives
d. Current playground design and the autistic child – real life experiences
7. The seven senses – developmental foundation
a. Sensory play activities on the playground provide a required “sensory diet”
8. Sensory play activities and developmental benefits
a. Swinging
b. Climbing
c. Sliding
d. Spinning
e. Tactile
f. Social activities
9. Research results from The Grattan School, San Francisco
a. Research construct, objectives
b. Outcomes – behaviors and interactions
c. The playground and the IEP – a therapeutic connection
10. Playground design for an inclusive environment
a. Beyond the main play structure
b. Variety, diversity and graduated levels of challenge
c. Active play and quiet, semi-private spaces
d. Children will seek a “just-right fit” for their sensory needs
11. Best Practice recommendations for success
12. Q & A and written evaluation
Session Format:
Lecture/Group Participation Exercises Throughout
Session Length:
90 Minutes
15 Minutes Q&A
Speaker Bio:
John McConkey, Market Research and Insights Manager at Landscape Structures. He brings over 15
years of experience in the healthcare field, and offers a unique perspective on health, fitness and
children’s play on the playground. Since 2002, John has researched and tracked societal trends and
industry trends to help create solutions that address evolving customer needs. John develops and
delivers ongoing continuing education programs for playground planners, designers and owners around
North America and outside the United States. His recent focus is on the topics of playground
accessibility and inclusiveness, reconnecting kids with nature, designing playgrounds to maximize
physical activity, and environmentally sustainable playground design.