My son, Jhye, has cerebral palsy and is a full-time wheelchair user. I often take him and his little sister to our local parks, where she enjoys all the playground activities. But Jhye has to sit and watch, unable to join in the fun with other children. It's heartbreaking to see him excluded from play, a fundamental and joyful part of childhood.

Many parents across the UK face similar situations, where their children with disabilities are left out of playground activities due to a lack of accessible equipment. Estimates suggest there are over 770,000 children under the age of 16 living with disabilities in the UK. Yet, playgrounds with equipment that accommodates their needs are far too scarce, with only a small percentage of parks offering wheelchair-accessible options.

The absence of accessible play facilities is not just an oversight; it's a barrier to inclusivity and equality. Access to play should be a right for every child, irrespective of their physical abilities. Parks are public spaces meant for all members of the community to enjoy. It's time we ensured that no one is left out.

By mandating that all parks across the UK provide at least some wheelchair-accessible equipment—such as specially designed swings and roundabouts—we can foster an environment where children like Jhye can play, laugh, and interact with their peers without barriers. This initiative also promotes awareness and acceptance of diversity from a young age, encouraging a more inclusive society.

Local councils and park management authorities need to prioritize this change. Funding could be sourced from public-private partnerships, local government budgets, and community contributions. Implementing inclusive play areas can transform the everyday experiences of disabled children across the UK, providing them with the joy and benefits of active play.

Let's come together to voice this urgent need for accessible playgrounds. Sign this petition to call on the UK government and local councils to take immediate action in making parks inclusive and welcoming for all children.