Summer is a time for fun outdoor activities with family and friends, but for those with disabilities or challenges, it can be difficult to find safe and accessible places to play. Easterseals MORC, a non-profit health and human services provider, is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities. One way they are doing this is by encouraging everyone to spend time outdoors this summer and providing a guide to playgrounds thoughtfully designed for children of diverse abilities and challenges.
Easterseals MORC’s Accessible Playgrounds Disability and Sensory Friendly Guide is an extensive list of playgrounds that have received the organization’s SEAL of Approval. These playgrounds are designed to be safe and inclusive for all children, including those with disabilities. For example, the playgrounds include equipment with ramps, more comprehensive pathways, and sensory-friendly features for children with visual or auditory impairments.
Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford is where every child can come and play, no matter their abilities. This park is a safe space for children with disabilities to feel included and have fun alongside their siblings and friends. The park features a wheelchair-accessible swing, which allows children of all abilities to feel the joy of the swing set. Additionally, the merry-go-round is accessible to children who use wheelchairs, encouraging inclusivity for all. Sensory equipment is also included at the park, promoting balance and movement for all visiting children. This park is something that the community can be proud of, a place where everyone is welcome to come and play.
Another park on the list is Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. This park includes a playground with slides, swings, and all wheelchair-accessible bridges. The park also has accessible trails that lead to a riverfront where children can enjoy the scenery and water activities.
Easterseals MORC believes in creating and maintaining work and play-environments that encourage and value diversity. Each park on its list has been thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of community where diversity is appreciated and encouraged. In addition, the organization offers various autism services, including ABA therapy, speech, and language therapy, and occupational therapy, to name a few.
The Rotary Park in Livonia is another excellent location for children of diverse abilities. The park has a wheelchair-accessible swing, merry-go-round, and play equipment. The sensory-friendly features include handrails and different textures, which provide children with different tactile experiences.
Finally, McKinley Park in Fraser also made the list of Easterseals MORC’s Accessible Playgrounds Disability and Sensory Friendly Guide. This park has ramps that make the playground accessible to children in wheelchairs. The sensory equipment at McKinley Park is designed to provide children with different experiences, such as spinning, swinging, bouncing, and rocking.
Easterseals MORC has created a guide of playgrounds that are safe and inclusive for children of diverse abilities. The Accessible Playgrounds Disability and Sensory Friendly Guide encourages people of all ages to spend more time outdoors this summer. By promoting equity, inclusion, and access, Easterseals MORC is setting the example for organizations and communities everywhere to ensure that every child can enjoy the simple joys of playing outdoors regardless of their abilities. Visit their website to see the complete list of playgrounds and start planning your next outdoor adventure.
