COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
community enrichment
“In the context of an environment or society that takes little or no account of impairment, people’s activities can be limited, and their social participation restricted. People are, therefore, disabled by the society they live in, not directly by their impairment.””
Socialization is one of the most important advantages of offering an inclusive playground. Tragically, too many children with disabilities spend a great deal of their free time alone or away from other children, often staring at computer or televisions indoors. As a result, they do not receive positive feedback needed from peers during play. Thanks to inclusive playgrounds, children with disabilities or differences can interact with peers and feel better about themselves, while also developing physical skills and abilities.
When children of disabilities have access to inclusive playgrounds it also benefits children who do not have disabilities. It teaches them that all people have similarities and differences. Kids soon learn the importance of accepting children who are not like them, making everyone more tolerant of others. In turn, children learn to become more sensitive and aware of the needs of their peers and others around them in the world – a good life-skill we could all use.
Inclusive playgrounds foster friendships because they offer more variety in the types of activities and materials, allowing more opportunities to interact with each other in creative, fun ways. Once children, without disabilities, socialize and interact with children who do have disabilities, they often realize how much they do have in common rather than focusing on any differences. It enriches the community by molding our future with the understanding we are more similar than different!
Another huge benefit of inclusive playgrounds is they promote active play and can help kids build decision and problem solving skills. As kids play, they develop social abilities, enhance their communication skills, and receive physical benefits of gross motor skill activity and exercise.
In addition to kids participating in active play with peers, their parents, grandparents or caretakers are able to access the playground. Adults get to socialize with other adults while their kids are playing and socializing with other kids. Sadly, parents or caretakers of disabled children can become as isolated as their children when they do not get out of the house much or interact with other adults.