Find Special Needs Accessible Playgrounds Near You

by Nov 19, 2013Books and Resources, Special Needs Parenting2 comments

Special needs accessible playgrounds are on the increase. An NPR article explains why and provides a listing of playgrounds around the country, too.

Special needs accessible playgrounds are on the increase. Why? Because last year the federal government made access to play areas a civil right under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The law applies to playgrounds built or altered after March 14, 2012.

Accessible Playgrounds and Parents

In August, National Public Radio (NPR) ran a story about how the federal law is making a difference in the lives of kids with special needs. This quote from the story shows the power of parents and advocates in the special needs community:

But as NPR sought to explore the effects of the new rules, it found that parents and advocates are making the real difference — not the federal government. The higher cost of “inclusive” playgrounds means many local governments can’t afford them. And in places that do offer the kind of shared playing experience contemplated by the ADA, a group of frustrated parents is typically behind it all.

Now, doesn’t that give your sense of frustration an element of purpose? As the article goes on to say, when parents of kids get frustrated, things get done.

To read the entire article, which is definitely worth a read, visit For Kids with Special Needs, More Places to Play.

 

Give a Shout Out to an Accessible Playground You Know About

Know of a great accessible playground? Give it a shout out in the comment box below. Thanks!

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By Jolene

Jolene Philo is the author of the Different Dream series for parents of kids with special needs. She speaks at parenting and special needs conferences around the country. She’s also the creator and host of the Different Dream website. Sharing Love Abundantly with Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities, which she co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman, was released in August of 2019 and is available at local bookstores, their bookstore website, and at Amazon. The first book in her cozy mystery series, See Jane Run!, features people with disabilities.

2 Comments

  1. Jolene

    That is cool, Barb. Is your town’s accessible playground on the locator yet?

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Meet Jolene

Jolene Philo is a published author, speaker, wife, and mother of a son with special needs.

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