Research on a playground suitable for a physically-handicapped child
Some suggestion and must do below:

A colorful and enticing playground will be able to attract the children’s with disabilities to come and play. As children will easily fall when they are not careful especially those in crutches or wheel-chair, it is best to use something soft that can cushion the fall like poured rubber surfacing. It can prevent the children from getting serious injuries. It is slip-resistant, colorful and can be arranged in any way we want. It can resist weight and does not need much maintainance.

Since wheel-chair bound children cannot go up a staircase without any help, ramps that are short yet not steep is very ideal as it is wheel-chair accessible and easier to move through without much difficulties. Railings should be installed by the side of each facilities so that the children can grab onto something whenever they needed help.

Pony rides can be built into the ground. Meaning there will be a space dug into the ground where the spring is installed. So that the ride will be at the same height of the ground. The child have to use their hand to pull themselves into the ride. Then that is where their fun begins. It is also wide enough for a wheel chair to be playing in it. Fun and muscle training at the same time!!!

A drivers panel can be installed to give the children the feel of driving. Other than having fun, it is also beneficial for children to be educated in an innovative way. Some activity panels like the math panel whereby some numbers will be given to form a equation, the tic-tac-toe panel whereby children play it with their friends, can be installed. This can build up their rapport with another person as they play the interactive yet educational games that can also enhance their brains.

Kides with physically diability do not really get the chance to play a slide in normal playgrounds as it is either too steep or dangerous for them to be experiencing the fun. Thus slides that are not too long and steep, with safety measurements installed is ideal for them. Some adjustments will also have to be made. Railings have to be installed at the side of the slide, and the end of the slide have to be connected to the ground(meaning build into the ground) and that it must not be risen from the ground as those in wheel-chair will fall if the landing is not smooth and safe. It must not be high-rised as they will have difficulty getting to the high point. the width and height of the slide have to be broader and higher so that a child in wheel chair can pass through with ease.

Many disabled children do not have the chance to experience the feel of air blowing into the face and the feeling of flying. Thus, if swings with special measurements are installed, the children will be able to get their chance to 'fly'. E.g. the jenn swing is ideal for them as it is a sort of swing that has seat belts and special sitting.

Installing a few sound tubes at each side of the playground. they allow children to communicate with each other, have fun and hear more people. This will enhance their communication skills.

Other than having fun, disabled children can also play a sort of machine that helps in improving their hand muscles. A 3D semi-circle tube with 2 balls inside that can help train coordination of two hands as they will likely be moving on their own while pushing the ball to the other side.
Another fun and enjoyable way is to install a monkey bar that is colorful, with the height that increase from the a 5 year old child in wheel chair to that of the height of a 8 years old child in wheel chair. The child has to pull the monkey bar in order to move. This action will help build hand muscles.


The above are some research i made that can be placed in the playground for the enjoyment of every child.

Credits to http://www.gametime.com/ , http://marisa-kristines.stores.yahoo.net/jeforchwispn.html

Post by: Tan Rui Qi (28)

Labels: Playground facilities suggestion