Leading UK charities and industry bodies have called on local authorities across the country to create accessible and inclusive child play spaces.
A joint statement from the groups, which includes Children’s Play Policy Forum and UK Play Safety Forum, states that ‘society has failed’ in producing enough accessible and inclusive places for children to play within a reasonable distance of their homes.
It argues that there needs to be a change in public attitudes and that more welcoming spaces must be created which maximise the range of play opportunities offered by the equipment and the environment.
‘Just like any child, all disabled children need and want to play. But for decades, they have been left poorly served,’ said Tim Gill, chair of UK Play Safety Forum.
‘This statement makes a powerful case for change, while acknowledging the challenges. Perhaps most importantly, it sets out a clear vision for new and improved play spaces that will engage children of all abilities.’
The statement, which was aimed at local authorities and play providers, also emphasised the importance of engaging with and prioritising the needs of disabled children and their families when making adaptations to increase accessibility.
Nicola Butler, chair of the Children’s Play Policy Forum, added: ‘This statement will help build a better understanding of the barriers which keep many disabled children and their families excluded from local play spaces. Overcoming these barriers will bring benefits for non-disabled children too, as they learn through their interactions and engagement with disabled friends and peers.’
