Adaptive Playgrounds for Kid's with Disabilities

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http://www.pinetreesociety.org/kidsproject_success.asp

Thanks to volunteer woodworkers from The Kids' Project adaptive

equipment program, two playgrounds in Maine will be fun places to

play for children with and without disabilities.

" Schools are seeing the need to make their playground an accessible

place for all students, " said Lucas director of The Kids'

Project. " It's a unique opportunity for The Kids' Project because

the piece benefits children of all abilities offering opportunities

for exercise and play while promoting social interaction. "

Accessible playground equipment was a top priority for the

Children's Center in Augusta, an organization that provides early

intervention services.

" Young children with disabilities rarely have access to playgrounds

that are safe and fun and built just for them, " said Francis Mullin

Executive Director of The Children's Center.

Mullin looked to The Kids' Project for a unique addition to their

playground: a boat.

What volunteer woodworker, Matt Hunter of Chelsea, designed and

constructed was no common boat. The authentic-looking lobster boat

complete with a curved bow, a cabin, sail that can be raised and

lowered, wooden trap and buoy, offers a place to play for all

children.

" Children who use wheelchairs or walkers can enter the lobster boat

through the open transom (back of the boat), which is flush with the

playground surface, " said Mullin. " The boat is sized to fit

preschoolers and has double steering wheels so two friends can take

the helm at once. "

According to Lucas, the lobster boat design and construction fit

perfectly with Hunter's skills.

" The detail and craftsmanship of the boat represents Matt's true

skills, knowledge and creativity as an experienced woodworker and

sailing enthusiast, " said Lucas.

In Scarborough, Tom spent much of the summer working on two

accessible playground pieces for the Eight Corners Elementary

School. The firetruck and train presented a welcome challenge to

volunteer woodworker Tom .

" There was lots of room for creativity and innovation, " said

. " There were no plans, just basic sketches and I had the

opportunity to see the equipment in use - kids of all abilities were

able to play in the equipment. "

" For children with disabilities, accessing the playground is a

challenge and sometimes impossible, " said Lucas. " The equipment that

Matt and Tom constructed can accommodate children in wheelchairs or

who have other disabilities and will support the play,

socialization, learning and creativity of all children. "