Wednesday, 9/17/2025 from 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM EST (Education Block 4)

Room: W103

Topic(s):
Access for All, Neurodiversity, Playgrounds, 2025 Conference Theme: Build Together, Play Together

Description:
Welcoming playgrounds are essential for creating healthier and more connected communities. This workshop equips professionals with the tools to design play spaces that welcome all families. Drawing on three decades of experience and insights from parents raising children with disabilities, this session explores the playground elements most valued by families. Participants will examine how thoughtfully designed websites, wayfinding and site amenities enable families to easily visit parks and, more importantly, stay and play all day. Through hands-on exercises and real-life examples, attendees will explore the needs of families with children facing mobility challenges, sensory disabilities or autism. Each participant will be given a family profile and asked to evaluate playground designs through their lens. As we analyze images of various playgrounds, we’ll discuss how ramps can sometimes detract from a playground’s goals and how thoughtful equipment selection can foster longer, more meaningful play. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for advocating and implementing designs that promote health, fairness and connection. Together, we can create play spaces that inspire joy and a sense of belonging for all.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will be able to list the challenges associated with transferring out of a wheelchair and how to address them in playground design.

2. Attendees will be able construct new web pages that provide relevant information to families who are raising children with disabilities.

3. Attendees will be able to explain to their colleagues effective strategies — and how to implement them — for supporting children who are visually impaired on the playground.

Speaker(s):
Mara Kaplan