CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 45 - March 2022
FUN FOR ALL AT ACCESSIBLE PARKS Spending time outdoors with a carefree day at the park is a great way to work on personal goals, relieve stress and encourage creative play. Parks Week was held from March 6th to 14th so we spoke to our Lifestyle Assistant, Kim Stephenson from Campbelltown Day Program, about how inclusive playgrounds can help our clients feel welcome in the community and achieve their goals. “We recently went to the new Variety Livvi’s Place at Hammondville. It is an accessible playground that has something for everyone. No one is excluded at all,” said Kim. Variety partnered with the Touched by Olivia Foundation to create these ‘Livvi’s Place’ bespoke play spaces across New South Wales. Each playground has been designed for people of all ages and abilities in consultation with local communities. Inclusive parks and playgrounds are important for everyone and promote acceptance, tolerance and diversity. At Hammondville, inclusive seesaw and the merry-go-round can be used, which has created many smiles amongst our clients. “At most parks, there is nothing for our wheelchair clients to use but at Hammondville, they have options. There are shade sails for if they do want to sit back and relax and pathways so everyone can move around easily,” continued Kim. Another fantastic playground feature is the communication board with sensory items and sounds. It makes play engaging for our clients and they enjoy the contrasting textures. The giant slide and the inground trampolines were also a hit amongst everyone. “The only way they could make this space better is by adding toilets on the premises. They haven’t been built yet, so carers or lifestyle assistants need to know before attending. It also does get quite hot there even with the shade sails,” said Kim. Campbelltown Day Program also likes to attend the Variety Livvi’s Place at Glenfield, which has water features and a double flying fox. Parks are for everyone, and it is fantastic to see more accessible play areas opening. Check out the below links to find your local inclusive park. • Melbourne - https://bit.ly/3tKcTCb
• Brisbane - https://bit.ly/3pUHXOF
• Sydney - https://bit.ly/3MCOO95
• Caboolture - https://bit.ly/3pTC2cr
• Illawarra - https://bit.ly/3vQ63hj
• Perth - https://bit.ly/3sZJTaC
• Gold Coast - https://bit.ly/3KsOTdC
• Adelaide - https://bit.ly/3pRkPk1
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au