Truly inclusive - the reward of thrill in universal play designs
Inclusive Play
Equality in play
All children have their own personalities, strengths, and individuality. Universally, though, they all share an urge to play! According to the KOMPAN Play Institute's research, children, including children with disabilities, share common wishes for playgrounds to be thrilling with varied play activities and a place to be with friends.
Since the establishment of the KOMPAN Play Institute in the 1980s, inclusive play and universal design have been part of KOMPAN's DNA. Universal design welcomes all users, regardless of their abilities. It means an inclusive approach: All people cannot necessarily play on everything, but all should be able to play on something. We call it "Play for All". Equality in playground access and use is a fundamental responsibility of our communities. The KOMPAN Play Institute is there to make sure that the proper, documented solutions are provided.
The mission of inclusive play is to unite everyone, regardless of their abilities, through play!
Make "Play for All" happen with our guide on designing an inclusive playground.
Play for All - Universal designs for inclusive playgrounds
This publication showcases the KOMPAN Play Institute’s recommendations for universal and inclusive playgrounds. It is based on inspirational cases of universal playgrounds, design points for universal play equipment, and the Institute’s most recent research and user observation on inclusive play.
Universal design and inclusive playgrounds are fundamental to KOMPAN’s DNA.
For over 20 years, the KOMPAN Play Institute has engaged in testing and developing play activities for all children including children with disabilities.
An inclusive playground can be accessed and enjoyed by all children – with and without disabilities.
Playground Equipment
Inclusive play
Children with disabilities also want thrilling play activities with friends
This study examines the degree to which non-specialized, age-appropriate play equipment and playgrounds can be usable to children with mobility and learning disabilities, as well as typically developing children. Inclusive playgrounds provide great value and from a design standpoint, are on par with any other playground. They do not complicate the design process nor do they take up more time and space.
Read the white paper below for more information about what kind of playgrounds are truly inclusive and highly thrilling for all their users. Cooperative play between children with disabilities and typically developing children is beneficial to all. It improves self-efficiency, tolerance, and empathy in both groups.
KOMPAN’s aim is to make playgrounds more inclusive by drawing upon universal play formulas. Simply stated: To unite children in play!
Children with disabilities have less than half the chance of accessing playgrounds
Play between children with disabilities and typically developing children support the areas of self-efficiency, tolerance, and empathy in both user groups.
This survey from the KOMPAN Play Institute shows that 71% of the wheelchair users found their nearest playground to be inaccessible. It further points out what activities the children prefer.
Playgrounds are well-known motivators for effectively getting children to be physically active, in a fun way.
However, in order for this to truly apply for children with or without disabilities, playgrounds need to be equally accessible and interesting to both groups.
