Making Playgrounds Fun For Everyone

The relationships within a child’s life have a profound impact on virtually all aspects of their life. Some aspects that are directly affected are a child’s emotional, psychological, and social development. According to the US Census Bureau, over three million children within “the United States had a disability in 2019”. At times, differently-abled children have a harder time forming and maintaining relationships with peers, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Within Massachusetts, there are very few parks that are ADA accessible.

Importance Of Relationships

        One thing I think we can all agree on is the importance of relationships and building of social skills in a child’s life. Playground play is one of the earliest demonstrations of this amongst children, but not if this is made physically impossible or to a degree so difficult that it promotes frustration and low self-esteem in those with certain disabilities. Very often, important early childhood interactions take place in the classrooms of preschool and kindergarten settings. Playgrounds in this regard, are more of a social setting, where “playtime” happens. Children actually enjoy being here, therefore, it is crucial we keep them as accessible as possible, to as many as possible.

Sign the Petition

Children deserve to play and prosper on their local playgrounds. Free play and imagination with peers is a crucial aspect of childhood growth. Those who are physically disabled should never have to sit on the sideline of their own childhood. We believe we can take matters into our own hands and be part of the change for our children. Parks must be ADA accessible, this includes ramps to and from the park, swing sets that are inclusive to all bodies -abled and disabled-, and play structures that are easily navigated for those with physical and mobile restraints. Oftentimes playgrounds have a lip or ledge to keep the sand and or wood chips in, this limits children who may be in a wheelchair to access. Be a part of making playgrounds fun for everyone, sign our petition today. We demand a change be made.