Record RSS recognise that under the above Act providers of playgrounds used by the public have a duty to provide inclusive play environments that allows able and disabled people to take responsibility for themselves alongside each other.

The Act defines disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on an individuals ability to carry out normal day to day activities’.

Whilst nothing in the Act requires manufacturers and designers to make changes to their products, as a responsible manufacturer, Record RSS have been providing a range of accessible equipment for many years and will continue to manufacture and supply a range of play equipment that is accessible to all children.

Although the Act did not come fully into force until 2004 many providers chose to make improvements as part of their routine maintenance and refurbishment programmes. Accessibility and inclusivity can much more easily be incorporated at the critical design stage and should, therefore, become an essential element of all future playgrounds.

The actual design of a fully inclusive and accessible playground will vary according to the specifications and budgets of the provider. However, Record RSS have carried out training for all area managers and designers on the implications and requirements of the DDA resulting in a check list for good design as follows:

• Is there a range of components for all children of different ages and abilities?
  
• Is there sufficient challenge to encourage children to return time after time?
  
• Is there a mixture of sliding, rocking, climbing, rotating, balancing, swinging activities?
  
• Are there opportunities for both lone and group play?
  
• Are there elements which encourage imaginative play?
  
• Is there provision for non participants (children and adults)?
  
• Do the surfaces aid accessibility with no unnecessary obstacles?
  
• Are there opportunities for those who are wheelchair bound?
  
• Are there easy and logical routes to all play equipment?
  
• Does the equipment and the layout encourage inclusive play?

It is therefore the policy of Record RSS to supply playground providers with advice and recommendations on the best way of providing an inclusive playground that is accessible and challenging to all children whether able or disabled.

BACK TO THE TOP