From Policy to Play Provision

Universal Design and the Challenges of Inclusive Play

Authors

  • Helen Lynch
  • Alice Moore
  • Maria Prellwitz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.28.2.0012

Keywords:

children with disability, accessibility, play policy, inclusive design, universal design

Abstract

Outdoor environments for children are important sites for social inclusion and play. In the European context, outdoor play provision is typically governed by regional or national policy and informed by international conventions that specifically state that inclusive environments must be made available for all children for their rights to be met. Specifically, universal design is proposed as a way to achieve this goal. However, little is known about national play policy in general, nor the extent to which universal design informs local play provision. This paper focuses on a review of play policy and guidelines carried out in 18 European countries and a national universal design study in Ireland in 2018. Findings identified an overall lack of play policy internationally, and when policy exists, universal design is under- represented. The potential application of the seven principles of universal design to playgrounds is discussed alongside play value principles to maximize successful playspace design. Further exploration of the child’s voice in designing for play is warranted to strengthen socio-spatial inclusion and diminish the poverty of experience that many children with disabilities experience in their communities.

Published

2022-02-23