Federal requirements often aren't enough incentive for municipalities to create accessible playgrounds, so parent advocates are paving the way for kids with special needs to access playgrounds.
The Americans with Disabilities Act now includes provisions for play areas that are accessible to people with disabilities, but cash-strapped governments are reluctant to take on the cost. "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 are typically behind it all," reports Robert Benincasa.
However, the opportunity to participate in play with other children is an important part of childhood that kids with disabilities need. "'Play areas are not just places where kids have fun,' says Eve Hill, a civil rights lawyer with the Justice Department, which enforces the ADA."
"'They are places where kids learn to interact with the world, and with each other,' Hill says. That places playgrounds in the same category as other civil-rights touchstones [such as swimming pools and lunch counters]."
Now, many parent advocates are raising money to create playgrounds that all kids can enjoy, like Brooklyn's Playground in Pocatello, Idaho, described by parent Jonny Fisher: "'We have the therapeutic swings,' Fisher says. 'These have got backs, so kids that don't have that muscle tone can get in there completely, and feel safe and secure and swing.'"
"'We have ramps leading up to all the play structures. You have the solid surfaces throughout the entire playground. With walkers or wheelchairs it's very easy to go around this.'"
FULL STORY: For Kids With Special Needs, More Places to Play

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions