Leading UK Charities and industry bodies call on UK councils to create accessible and inclusive child play spaces. The joint statement, launched today, addresses the need to uphold every child’s right and need to play.
Including Disabled Children in Play Provision, a joint statement from the 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 makes clear that
- a positive, solution-focused attitude is essential to include disabled children
- it is possible to make adaptations to increase accessibility and remove barriers to participation by engaging with and prioritising the needs of disabled children and their families,
- there is an urgent need to change public attitudes
- more welcoming spaces must be created which maximise the range of play opportunities offered by the equipment and the environment.
The statement also calls for consistent use of the terms accessible and inclusive play.
Clare Haughey, MSP, Minister for Children and Young People said:
“The Scottish Government’s ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up – a nation that values play as a life-enhancing daily experience for all our children and young people, regardless of background or circumstance.
“Inclusion and accessibility are at the core of the national principles underpinning our £60 million investment in renewing play parks across Scotland. So, too, is listening to children and young people’s views about how they can be supported through play to be active, healthy and happy.
“I welcome this statement on inclusive and accessible play which supports everyone involved in providing play spaces and environments to ensure they can be enjoyed by all children and families.”
Chief Executive of Play Scotland, Marguerite Hunter Blair said:
“This ground-breaking Statement provides a clear explanation of how play provision and environments can enable all children to play together. Children of all abilities have the same right to play. A better understanding of the barriers faced by disabled children and their families will lead to enriched play experiences for all children and families.”
Tim Gill, Chair, Chair UK Play Safety Forum said:
“Just like any child, all disabled children need and want to play. But for decades, they have been left poorly served. 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.”
Nicola Butler Chair 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.”
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