Inclusive Play Areas Guide by Proludic

Creating an inclusive play area is giving every child the means to live their childhood to the full. Inclusiveness should be a key part of the design brief for a new play area, yet many designers are not specifically trained in the range of possible disabilities, or how to design for the needs of children with disabilities. The Inclusive Play Areas Guide provides data on the features of the various impairments, the needs children have to help them cope with the impairment and possible design solutions in a concise and easily understood format.

Symbols that represent different types of disability that have been previously used in the informative data section of the guide are then applied to information about Proludic play equipment. Designers are easily able to see which types of play equipment are suitable for supporting children with particular disabilities. Information and symbols which highlight the specific inclusive play functions and benefits of play equipment for children and accompanying adults are also used. These symbols and information help designers select the right play equipment for inclusive play areas.

The Inclusive Play Areas Guide illustrates several playgrounds designed by Proludic where inclusion has been a key consideration. The context of each project is explained, along with information about the different elements of the design solution and the playground equipment provided. Designers are able to see how inclusive playgrounds can be designed and implemented for the enjoyment of all children and their families. They will be able to use these project examples to help inform their own design decisions about other inclusive play area projects.

Over 25 years Proludic has developed considerable expertise in designing for disability and inclusion. Our approach has been taken further with the Inclusive Play Areas Guide through consultation with other professionals. As a member of the NovaChild Innovation Network for Children we have worked with its experts in research, health, universal design and support associations for children with disabilities. Together we have identified the specific features and needs of less able children in play areas and measures that can be taken to compensate for differences and ensure accessibility for all. We have deepened our knowledge so that we can offer even more effective solutions in our design of inclusive play areas

Whilst the Inclusive Play Areas Guide can be used as a stand-alone document, Proludic offers further support to the design community through our Design Department and Proludic website. Our qualified landscape architects and play consultants are able to assist other design professionals with expert advice on designing inclusive play areas. Proludic can design and implement inclusive play areas from start to finish, or design playground equipment for clients with very specific needs. The Proludic website includes an “Inclusivity Compliant” filter to help designers specifically select items of inclusive play equipment from our many products. More case studies of inclusive play areas are illustrated on our website.

At Proludic inclusive design is a key aspect of our philosophy because we believe that all children should have access to play and to the same play facilities. Our Inclusive Play Areas Guide, our website tools and the expert advice of our Design Department and play consultants are available as a complementary service to our clients. We are committed to helping clients create inclusive play areas so we can offer all children the enjoyment of play, show them that play is a shared experience and give every child the means to blossom and develop.