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12/06/2006
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Playgrounds especially designed for disabled children
The International Town-Planning and Environment Exhibition will present the latest new features in urban equipment adapted to children with mobility problems
There are still very few play areas and children's leisure facilities that comply with the safety regulations in force, and even fewer that are adapted for children with problems of mobility. These areas must have structures where stability and horizontality are the top priorities, avoiding problems associated with steps, stairs and other obstacles.
"Children enjoying the sun", which is an expression used for disabled children who stand apart from other children whilst watching them play in children's play areas, is frequently heard in Spanish parks. However, a number of companies within the sector are already backing integration.
The importance of playing as a tool for socialisation and integration and a means of promoting the right of all children to enjoy children's recreational and leisure areas, is the main focus of initiatives of this type.
The expression "children enjoying the sun" is used to identify children who have mobility problems and who, separated from the other children, spend their time watching the others play on leisure facilities or in children's play areas. This problem affects the majority of the children's play areas in Spain and companies within this sector are becoming increasingly aware of this.
Companies involved in research and development for urban equipment and in the manufacturing and marketing of materials or elements for play areas and children's leisure facilities are becoming increasingly aware of the need to adapt children's areas to cater for the needs of children with disabilities.
Within the framework of TEM TECMA 2006, the International Town-Planning and Environment Exhibition, which will be staged at Feria de Madrid between 13th and 16th June, companies from the industry will present the latest features in children's facilities adapted to children with mobility problems. The basic features of these areas include the following: the stability of the play elements; the horizontal design of the facilities, avoiding differences in level; and platforms and walk-ways with different textures and colours that foster and develop the different bodily senses in children (balance, motor skills, etc.) and improve children's cognitive and socio-affective development.
Parques Infantiles Isaba, - a company devoted to research and development for urban equipment projects, the manufacturing and marketing of materials and elements for city parks, children's play areas, leisure facilities, urban and environmental equipment and all kinds of equipment in treated wood for outdoor use - is one of the exhibitors that will participate at TEM TECMA 2006, displaying its specific products for promoting access for disabled children.
As Ignacio Ortega, the Marketing Manager of Isaba, has stated, "playing is essential for children's development, since it provides entertainment for the child and it helps him or her to socialise, develop and integrate. Children's play areas cover children's entertainment needs within the current urban settings and there are many disabled children who cannot play in them. For this reason, at Isaba we have created a new line of children's play equipment called RECREA"
The creation of the RECREA line is based on a new approach, following universal design criteria, which allow access to all children. It consists of a series of play facilities that are accessible, integrative and innovative, that have been tested by the
Research Association for the Toy Industry and Related Industries (AIJU) and by different experts from associations founded to help the visually and physically disabled. These experts evaluated the suitability of the new designs before the manufacturing process began. Furthermore, Isaba is concerned about accessibility to children's play areas. There must be no barriers, either for children in any part of their games or for parents or carers.
Isaba has already assembled play areas using the Recrea line in Alaquas, Pobla de Farnals and Llosa Ranes in Valencia, whilst a new series of facilities is planned for Mahon (Majorca).
Other examples
Although few and far between, there are already a number of other children's play areas in Spain that include equipment specifically adapted to cater for the needs of disabled children. Some examples of play areas of this kind in Madrid can be found in the following areas: the Park of Eva Duarte de Perón, in the Salamanca district; the Park of El Conde del Valle de Súchel, in Aluche; the Park of Juan Carlos I; the park bordering calle Campotéjar, which looks out onto calle Fernando Ortiz; and the park in the town of Galapagar.
Outside Madrid, it is also worth mentioning the "Children's Temple" project at "Terra Natura" (Nature Theme Park in Benidorm), that has been developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Pacnatur.
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(Informationsquelle: Ifema)
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