Play for All Inclusive 11 playground projects
“Children Learn Through Play” is a long-expressed truism. Children go through stages of play, from solo (playing alone) to parallel (playing alongside other children) to cooperative (playing with other children). Through play, children gain physical and social skills, among other benefits. In order to play, kids need somewhere to play. For most children, one of those places is a playground. However, for children with challenges, going (or being taken to) a typical neighborhood or community playground can be, at best, a disappointing experience. The equipment might be out of their reach, the playground surface may not easily accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility equipment, and so on. Various organizations, including public and private schools, and park districts, have met that need with “inclusive playgrounds”. Typically, these projects have been funded with both public funds and donations. In the Chicago area, inclusive playgrounds can be found in many towns, including Aurora, Bartlett, Lisle, Naperville, New Lenox, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Barrington, Wheaton and South Elgin. Some inclusive playground projects have been spearheaded by parents advocating for their children. One such project came about through the efforts of parent Peg Chaidez, in response to her son’s experience getting stuck and left alone in his wheelchair on his elementary school’s playground when the bell rang. Peg founded Dream Build Play Experience (dbpexperience.com), and teamed up with Sharon Duncan of Abide in Me (abideinme.org), an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities live active and engaged lives. The first playground funded was built at her son’s school in Downers Grove. References: Chicago Special Parent issuu.com/ chicagoparent/docs/chicagospecialparent_0819 and issuu.com/chicagoparent/docs/special_parent_ summer_2015 M