play for all. H A G S C R E AT E S P L AY & M E E T I N G P L A C E S F O R PA R T I C I PAT I O N , A C C E S S I B I L I T Y & F U N
play for all. Playing is amazing! It is both fun and necessary for a child's development. By playing, children learn to understand the world around them. They learn social interaction and to communicate with others - to explore, experiment and test themselves. It teaches them cause and effect, risk assessment and making their own decisions. They learn to share, improve strength and coordination, and develop their imagination and creativity. It's amazing that so many good things can come from something as fun as playing! The playground is so much more than the play products. It’s an important place for integration where you can meet new and old friends, no matter what age. We believe that all children should be allowed to play, no matter what their background. Creating accessible playgrounds can be difficult, but we believe that through good cooperation and planning, the perfect playground can be created. We hope that this brochure can inspire you in your work to think, plan and create meeting places for everyone. Welcome to HAGS and Play for All.
play for all. The playground should be
a fun
place for as many people as possible. It is through play that a child takes on the world and makes it comprehensible.
The feeling of being
part of
the game and not feeling left out is among the most important things.
Not everyone can do
It is important to vary challenges so that children with different abilities can be inspired
at the same time. Try to group similar equipment with varying degrees of difficulty next to each other.
Play value describes how the environment, or the play equipment, gives the child experience of play. A high play value means that the child can play and test their own ideas in many different ways. The play value can be. . .
Strong colours and contrasts are great for the visually impaired.
• physical: rocking, balancing, climbing and sliding.
everything, but there must be
• sensory: using touch, hearing and sight.
something for everyone.
• social: interaction during dramatic and imaginative play
Hard surfaces make it possible to crawl, walk, run, bounce and roll
together.
Ramps, adapted swing seats, backrests and stairs increase accessibility. A playground is so much more than just a place with play products. It's a place where you meet, make new friends and learn a lot of great things. Through social interaction, children get to practice cooperation and to resolve conflicts. When a child dares to try new things, their
courage and self-esteem develop.
These abilities are especially important for children with disabilities.
On hags.com you will find suggestions for play equipment which are great for some of the most common disabilities ... • ADHD • Intellectual disability • Visual impairment • Autism • Hearing loss • Gastrointestinal problems We are happy to show you all the possibilities available to create places with play opportunities for everyone.
The child has rights!
Playground Guidelines According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children have the right to play in a stimulating, safe and suitable environment. This means, among other things, that children's environments and playgrounds must be secure and accessible.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: It contains 54 articles, all of which are equally important. There are four basic
European standards Requirements for safety and shock-absorbing surfaces for play equipment are found in the European standards for play equipment and shock-absorbing surfaces EN 1176 and EN 1177. They contain minimum safety requirements and are used in assessing whether a product is safe.
principles that should always be taken into consideration when dealing with children's issues.
§2 §3 §6 §12
Read more at www.en-standard.eu
All children have the same rights and equal value. Playground equipment accessible for all children - TR 16467:2013
The best interests of the child shall be taken into account in all decisions concerning children. All children have the right to life and development.
Can we create fun and exciting playgrounds while living up to the safety levels required by law and the standards?
All children have the right to express their opinion and be respected.
In addition to these four, we want to highlight two more of great importance from a play perspective.
§23 6
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
Children with disabilities have the right to a full and decent life as well as help to actively participate in society.
§31
Children's rights are the obligations of adults.
Children have the right to play, rest and leisure.
"Yes, I am convinced that a safe playground does not have to be boring" An important part of creating an interesting playground is how it is designed and constructed. There are bushes, trees, open spaces and hidden places which, together with the play equipment, create an exciting and eventful place for our children. A playground should contain challenges but not dangers. No child should have to suffer serious accidents due to the fact that we, as adults, have not done what is required. It is important to understand the purpose of the standard and the importance of complying with it and the legal requirements set for a playground. This applies to everyone involved, from drawings and design to assembly, inspection, maintenance and operation of playgrounds.
This Technical Report is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1176 and provides guidance to those involved in the specification, provision and management of play environments. It is intended to help create spaces that will promote opportunities for children of differing abilities to have the opportunity to participate in unsupervised play, and with appropriate levels of challenge and risk.
Inclusive playground guide by HAGS We have created an inclusive play design guide in collaboration with playground and child development experts as a resource to help create great outdoor play environments for children of all ages and abilities. This guide is to be used in conjunction with standards and guidelines related to inclusion, equipment and safety in the play space. Prior to designing the play space, check with local officials and planners to ensure the design complies with all regulations. Play space designers and landscape architects should know to check the relevant standards. The guide can be found at: www.hags.com/en-us/designing-inclusive-playgrounds
If you need more information about this, you can read more on hags.com Janne, Safety Manager at HAGS
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
7
seats were placed in a circle so that everyone could see each other when talking. The idea is to be able to incorporate these spaces in the teaching and benefit from the games.
A net freak who likes challenges
Which products do you think are particularly good? Oh, how difficult, there are many! The face-to-face swing is an obvious one as you can instantly tell that it’s for everyone. Trampolines in different colours are very good from an accessibility point of view. Carousels have always been a favourite and I'm definitely a net freak! Net is so good, you can use it for so much. The children get a chance to train themselves in keeping track of their body and practising balance. They develop coordination when using their hands and feet at the same time. Both boys and girls like nets, they see it as a place to hang, socialise and of course climb. So, when I think about it, the answer will probably be that the Net Carousel is the ultimate product!
Ylva has been a salesperson at HAGS for almost four years. She is an injector of ideas who is committed to solving both small and large problems. Contributing to playgrounds for everyone is the driving force that challenges and steers her everyday life. Ylva previously worked in the municipality of Lidköping, Sweden, for just over 30 years. As a trained garden designer, she planned several of the municipality's schoolyards and playgrounds - something she benefits a lot from in her current job. For a while, Ylva also worked with operation and maintenance. Having knowledge of managing and maintaining a playground is also a valuable experience, not least to try to keep costs down. She’s also familiar with the regulations that require accessibility in public places, such as playgrounds.
Is there an inclusive playground that you are particularly pleased with? A playground that I did in Råda in Lidköping. It does not look accessible, but it’s very good. That's the thing, it shouldn’t look too accessible. We want the playground to attract many children and be interesting for everyone to play on.
"I want the playground to be accessible, but at the same time look exciting and imaginative ”
How do you start planning a playground so that it’s accessible to everyone? I always start with what the customer wants. What they usually do and who their users are. There are always new things to learn and it’s important to be humble and responsive. Different disabilities have different needs and opportunities for solutions. Some work a lot with colours and recognition, or as in one of the latest projects, balance. If you think about the various disabilities, it’s possible to achieve something that will be really good for many. One of your recent projects is focusing on balance. How come? The project was carried out in a school for children with hearing impairments. They often have difficulty with balance and it becomes even more important with elements where the sense of balance is trained. What did the school want? They wanted children in the twelve different year classes to have something fun to do. It was a challenge with such a big age range but at the same time, fun. We looked at what the existing surface looked like and how to use it in the best way. The playground was placed in the courtyard to provide a safe environment to stay in. Changing surfaces in the playground's different areas, as well as balance loops and climbing opportunities in various forms, became important elements. Since the children can’t hear, sight is important, therefore
8
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
Wide slide High play value Various swing seats
Artificial grass
Different ways to get up and down
Easily accessible staircase
Play at ground level
Sandbox with table
Easily accessible entrance Resting places
Clear distinctions
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
9
I love reading books but we are also a very active family who like to be out in nature or visit playgrounds to play. Playgrounds are important! But because we don’t have any near where we live, dad simply had to build our own for me and my sister. The playground is the best I know I think going to the playground is fun, kind of among the best I know. I especially love swinging. It tickles my stomach when mum or dad speed it up - then I burst into laughter. But I also like that it is a place where I can meet other people, watch and play with other children. Swinging is definitely the most fun The most fun is to come to a playground that has swings for smaller children, or swings where I can swing with someone. In my case, I like swings that have both a toddler seat and a seat for an older person. Then mum, dad or Meja can swing with me.
My dream playground My dream playground is a playground where you have really thought about the functions and the users. I often find that adults who make decisions don’t really think about diversity when planning a new playground. For me, it’s natural to think that children with disabilities should be able to feel that the playground is made for them as well. If I had a wish, there would be climbing towers and slides, some sand, but also a sand-free area. Seesaws that are suitable for smaller children who can't hold themselves properly would also be good. I would have liked to play on one because I like how it tickles my stomach. I would also want swings, lots of them and preferably different kinds! Not just the regular ”tire swing” and baby swings. Sometimes those have big gaps for a small guy like me. Instead, there could be a chair shaped swing that someone who, for example, uses a wheelchair can sit on and swing. In larger playgrounds, maybe even a swing that you can drive your wheelchair onto. Definitely, a sibling swing that you at HAGS already have in your range. It's the best swing I know! It’s also good to keep in mind that a playground should suit different ages, for example, having slides for both younger and older children. I also like everything that bounces and jumps. A large "jumping pillow" that you can sit, stand or run on so that it bounces a little, would be fun. It’s good to think about all the senses of the body, with things that can stimulate sight, hearing and touch in different ways. I also want a place with shade where smaller children can sit / play under the summer sun and a place where you can eat your packed lunch.
My sister is my best playmate My sister and I play a lot together and she's probably the one who plays with me the most. I really appreciate that she includes me and gives me that attention. If we are on the playground, we usually swing together. Sometimes we test different things that are on the playground, but many things become difficult for me to handle on my own as I am not strong enough yet.
Hello there!
My name is Milgott and I was born on September 28 2019 with Down Syndrome. You know that thing when you have an Xtra chromosome. I would like to tell you a little about myself and my family. Come along!
This is the Eliasson / Lillienberg family My name is Milgott and I am 1 and a half years old. I live in a country house in Säter outside Skövde in Västra Götaland, Sweden, with my mother Ida, father Oliver and big sister Meja who is 5 years old.
10
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
I was born with Down syndrome. Actually, there is no major difference between me and other children. Only that we, with Down syndrome, to a greater extent are born with lower muscle tone which means that our motor skills are a bit delayed.
It would be great if you want to follow me in my everyday life on Instagram: @milgottx
Milgott's top tips for those who make playgrounds Send out proposals for consultation, invite interest groups and private individuals who are allowed to participate from the start. Civil servants may be good in their fields, but they sometimes lack the perspective of those living with disabilities. If we can help each other, it's super good and it benefits us all. ... and other children with disabilities. Dare to play! Challenge yourself and test different things on a playground, do not assume that you can’t do it or that it doesn’t fit. Of course, some adjustments could make it easier, but if you get help and support from a parent, assistant or other person, most things work regardless of design.
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
11
HAGS in Spain In El Prat de Llobregat, just outside Barcelona, you will find this playground in the middle of Gallart Square in Monés. An accessible playground that has quickly become one of the most popular in the municipality. With plenty of furniture and trees that provide shade and rest, and being located close to the square's café, the playground is a perfect meeting place for children and adults. Wide passages and open areas make it easy to get around with a pram and a wheelchair. For children who don’t like physical contact, there is plenty of space to move and play freely. The entire play area has a hard surface, which makes it easy to get around - rolling, crawling or running. The strong colours provide good contrast and create small islands in the play area. This can make it easier for children who need clarity and reference points. A playground for everyone The brief from the City Council was clear: A play area that encourages social gatherings and play between children of different ages and abilities. It was important to provide play opportunities for various age groups, 0-3, 3-5, and 5-12 years, and that there would be a common area where all children could play together regardless of age.
12
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
HAGS' design department were given the task of selecting products that would suit as many users and needs as possible.
Anky Rocking animal with backrest for one or two users. Provides support for younger children and those with less muscle strength. The rocking movements help the little ones to develop motor skills and balance.
UniMini Jorros A play module for younger children where you can play, learn and develop your imagination. Children can train their hearing, sight and touch. There are two different number games to practice numeracy.
Dragonfly Seesaw with a backrest that provides rest and helps to keep the balance without the risk of falling off. An updated version of a classic seesaw.
Talking tubes Play that trains the hearing and encourages communication and curiosity. Vagabond game Four-in-a-row game with tactile delimitation that is good for children with impaired vision. The game was placed at a height that can be easily reached from a wheelchair. Picture boards Two large boards have been specially designed for the playground. One with sign language and one with Braille. The idea is to encourage children (and adults) to learn to communicate with each other in different ways, thereby also promoting inclusion. Spinmee Roundabout at ground level that’s easy to use even for wheelchair users. It also has two seats for those who prefer to sit. A product with great opportunities to play together.
Swings No playground is complete without a swing, it really is the equipment most people love. In here, they chose to install two double Omega frames next to each other. By adding many different swing seats, children of all ages and with different abilities can play together side by side. Bravo A large basket seat that allows several children of different ages to swing at the same time. Even adults and teenagers are usually attracted by this swing. There is plenty of space to lie down for those who have a harder time swinging in a sitting position. Rinda A safe and comfortable favourite for the younger children. Mirage Swing seat suitable for children with reduced mobility or balance difficulties. Reddy Gives the older children a chance for a fast-paced and thrilling swing experience.
Tango A fantastic swing where adults and children get the opportunity to enjoy a ride together face-to-face. Last but not least, for the centrepiece, they chose... UniPlay Eptix. A unit that's easy to get onto with a wheelchair and with prams thanks to ramps and wide passage areas. There are also games, a slide, nets, a steering wheel and a kitchenette where imagination and role-playing are encouraged. The small crawl-ins can also be good resting places for children who want to retreat and play undisturbed.
The playground by the square is bursting with life. It turned out just as the City Council wanted - a wonderful meeting place for everyone!
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
13
HAGS in Norway
Nordvoll - a unique special school Nordvoll School in Oslo is Norway's only special school for students with autism. There is room for 66 students spread over 13 years. All methods and aids used at the school are based on the students' needs, characteristics, interests, abilities and experiences. Each student has their own assistant / educator who is on hand for all outdoor play. The schoolyard is not accessible to outsiders but it’s the students' very own place, which makes it extra valuable.
In addition to Haukåsen and Nordvoll, Claussen & Heyerdahl, which is HAGS 'distributor in Norway, has built more than 100 schoolyards in Oslo. Most are based on specially designed UniPlay units with many different play functions and activities that create active meeting places for the students.
Haukåsen Haukåsen school in Oslo is a municipal special school for students with neurological difficulties and multifunctional disabilities. The school was founded in 1972. It has just over 80 students, from year 1 up to high school, and 130 employees. All education and training is given based on the individual student's functional level, needs, strengths and experiences.
This beautiful area with many playgrounds and meeting places is located as an atrium between the buildings. The schoolyard is also accessible to children outside the school and has become a popular part of the local community.
14
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
We used the height difference between the building and the sloping ground level to build a custom-designed UniPlay unit. A wide bridge leads out to the tower which, among other things, has a slide, play components and games on both floors. On the spacious play area, there is a carousel that is accessible for wheelchairs, there is another one with 3 rotating chairs, a large sandpit and a buddy swing. Colourful letters and numbers on the ground form a nice decor while being part of the learning process.
Children with autism like to play alone, so they chose to build the playground with several smaller UniPlay units with separate play stations. It gives the children the opportunity to find their own space while being in a larger community.
Many of the students have a strong need for activity and love challenging their sense of balance and equilibrium. There is various play equipment for this in the schoolyard. E.g. Roty and Mobilus which provide rhythmic, rotating and inclined movements.
We strive to activate all the senses. In these HPL panels with cut-out patterns and labyrinths, touch is the focus. Moving your fingers through the pattern gives a soft feel.
Games with elements of music are stimulating and relaxing. Using as many senses as possible is good.
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
15
Together we create meeting places It can be tricky to create a playground that is accessible to everyone. There are many disabilities to consider, not just wheelchairs. Often the needs can clash, which makes it even more challenging in planning a playground. At HAGS, we are passionate about play and we want it to be accessible to as many people as possible. You will get help from committed and knowledgeable employees. Each is a specialist in their field, but we share a common passion for products and solutions that inspire play, activity and community for all. Do you need help, ideas or advice on planning your playground? Then we are happy to be your partner! We believe that functional and inspiring play and recreational areas are created together.
A new playground is emerging - this is what the process can look like We meet for an introductory meeting and make site visits.
We discuss play value, location, budget, needs and conditions.
We put together a presentation and plan drawings to create a picture of the proposal that is as realistic as possible. We amend according to the customer's wishes.
We leave a quote. If you wish it may also include groundwork.
We offer assembly and installation assistance if desired.
16
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
17
From a creative designer's perspective Helen Bergander is a creative designer who is passionate about the playground becoming a meeting place for everyone. In her role where she works with customer-specific projects focusing on accessibility issues, these are excellent traits.
I want to start by emphasizing that accessibility is not just about wheelchair users. Accessibility affects so many more. There are many disabilities that we need to take into account. Not everyone can do everything - but there must be something for everyone! Considering varying degrees of difficulty when planning a playground is very helpful. Try to make the whole playground exciting, flexible and challenging. Let's say we want to build an obstacle course. For children with ADHD, physical and fast-paced activities are good. Children in wheelchairs also want to test their limits but can't do the same things. One solution could be to make two obstacle courses next to each other. One track at ground level where you drive around various obstacles, and the other track can include balance and climbing opportunities. Balance exercises are good for children with hearing loss because they often have more difficulty with balance. Making sure that the courses have good contrast markings makes it easier for children with visual impairment. In this way, children with different needs can play together - side by side. Children with intellectual disabilities play later in life. So, it's important to keep in mind, that for them, the space needs to be large enough for an adult body. It also needs to be easy to understand what they have to do. Children who don’t have a disability will also have fun on both tracks. With more levels, we encourage all children to play together, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. 18
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
5
good accessibility thoughts from Helen ...
Nothing is impossible in Skyttorp Skyttorp in Uppsala, Sweden, is a good example of a play structure with varying challenges. Everyone can get in from one direction, and for those who don’t want / can't continue, there are play opportunities along the way, such as nets to hang out on or imaginative play activities. There are also more physical play opportunities for children who want it.
Think activity and experience instead of product and equipment. Balance, climb, slide, swing, move, meet, rest, spin, bounce, jump.
Use things that encourage you to look, listen and feel.
Try to bring in different levels of difficulty in the play features so that more people can do similar things, and also train themselves to do more and more.
Remember to create enough space around the play products. It can be the parent / guardian who is in a wheelchair and wants to be able to play with the child. Don’t make targeted additions that distinguish and point out. Try to get the playground into a meeting place that is stimulating, flexible and creative for everyone.
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
19
But you don’t always have to reinvent the wheel
Actio means activity in Latin. An appropriate name for this play unit that is filled with climbing and exciting activities in varying degrees of difficulty. Stimulating for children with ADHD for example. The wide entrance to the area into the play unit makes it easy to get close to and be with others even for those who don’t want to climb.
ART NO 8071724
Our challenge is to create varying challenges
Backrest Ljung can be mounted on Olvon picnic tables. You then get an inclusive picnic table that is accessible for both wheelchair users and for those who need back support.
OLVON PICNIC TABLE ART NO 8042460 BACKREST LJUNG ART NO 8087764
Carousel seats give more children the joy of riding a carousel. It is easy to mount a seat with a backrest on the existing carousel.
ART NO 8077174
CAROUSEL ART NO 8057315 SEAT ART NO 8077336
More contrast Contrast kit To easily increase contrast on the playground, we have put together a small kit. It contains: 5 strips / primer pens that can be used on existing swings, stairs and transfer points, etc.
Mirrors provide the opportunity for fun fantasy play. Both with others and on your own, you can get a companion in the mirror if nothing else. There are both concave and convex mirrors that can be mounted on panels at different heights.
CONTRAST KIT ART NO 8081002 ART NO. CONVEX 8077176
20
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
ART NO CONCAVE 8077174
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
21
ART NO 8074847
ART NO 8059420
ART NO 8046481
Cone Climber combines climbing and rotation in an
Stratus the swing of opportunities and the product that
UniMini Iza provides the opportunity for many games at
exciting and fun way. Provides good coordination training for both hands and feet.
really is for all generations. Here several users can swing or just "hang out" together - sitting horizontally or vertically.
ground level. Here you can play kiosk, cook, learn to count and talk to each other in the talking tubes.
ART NO 8000869
Willy A whole bunch of friends can go on a Safari trip together. Sudden movements have a soft effect, thanks to the springing and dampening construction.
ART NO 8072023
Swing, spin, bounce & balance! The children's sense of balance and equilibrium is built up early as coordination and concentration develop. Jumping and bouncing challenges, stimulates and develops the sense of balance and body perception. Slide
Therefore, play equipment that provides movement up and down, back and forth and around at different rhythms and speeds is important.
A tickling sensory experience that most children appreciate. With a wide slide of one meter, an adult and a child can ride side by side.
Play panels Stimulating
play at ground level that trains fine motor skills and memory. Here children can play alone or together.
Here we show some good examples ...
ART NO 8053217
Trampolines for both adults and children. Simple and accessible at ground level regardless of whether you walk or roll on it. Order it in different colours if you want maximum contrast.
Nabi invites children up to the play unit
via several entry points. The secure stairs are the easiest way up. If you want more challenges, you can go up through the climbing net. On the way down, you can choose between two different slides. For those who want to stay at ground level, there are several games to choose from.
22
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
“My son Leon, who has autism, plays in a different way. He likes colours, shapes and things that spin. The activity panel is like it's made for him. I feel as if he somehow gets relaxed when he sees and feels how it spins. The image in the panel has also been helpful when he is emotional. He can react to it by spinning it as much as the hand can handle in a slightly harder way ”. Elina, Leon’s mother
Tango provides the opportunity to swing with a
best friend, small or big. You will be able to see each other when you fly high up among the clouds together, or just sit and cuddle.
Leon
ART NO Blue
8072773 Red 8072770 Yellow 8072772
ART NO 8061772
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
23
Play for All - in real life
each change makes a difference.
Of course, it’s easier to think of play for all when planning a completely new playground, but that possibility doesn’t always exist. Many playgrounds were installed before you had all the knowledge about inclusion. Nevertheless, they can still be functional. Therefore, we want to encourage you to retain the playgrounds and instead improve them with relatively simple means. In this way, you are able to offer more while being kind to your wallet and the environment.
CheckList Resources can be limited, so it’s good to see how to make playgrounds better with simple measures.
1. Inventory of existing play
4. Intellectual disability
Who is the playground accessible for today? Think about accessibility based on the most common disabilities...
It means that children often play until they're a lot older. • Is the play equipment large enough? • Are there clear and simple play functions?
• Reduced mobility
Here is an example of how to make an existing playground more inclusive with small changes
• ADHD
5. Visual impairment
• Intellectual disability
• Can orientation be strengthened with the help of beacons, such as wind chimes or water?
• Visual impairment
• Is it possible to create points of reference for orientation, for example with paths, shrubs or flower boxes?
• Autism • Hearing loss • Gastrointestinal problems
• How do we create good lighting?
2. Impairment of movement
• Can we create contrast markings on play stands, the beginning and end of the steps, handrails, etc.?
• Can we add a tactile information board?
• How is the surface around the play functions? • Are there any games on the ground floor?
6. Autism
• Is it possible to replace some panels? • Is it possible to change to various swing seats? • Is the degree of difficulty varied? • Is there room for a wheelchair on tables and
benches?
• Does the playground need to be enclosed with a fence? • Is it possible to create a structure through colour? • Can you make any part of the playground calmer? • Are there things to play with that do not require cooperation?
• Are there openings in any border edges? • Can sandboxes or sand tables be raised?
7. Hearing loss
• Are there extra grip arches?
• Is it possible to add balance play, preferably close to the
• Is it possible to get protection from the sun?
ground?
• Do you need to add visual information?
Fence encloses the playground and creates a calm and safe play environment, for example for children with autism. Different types
24
3. ADHD
• Is it possible to minimize disturbing noise?
• Are there physically challenging games, such as climbing games or obstacle courses?
8. Gastrointestinal problems
of flooring differentiates the areas on the playground. Artificial grass provides the opportunity for better accessibility. Hard
• Is there an opportunity for fast-paced activities, such as swings or slides?
surfaces makes it easier for everyone to get around. Various swing seats makes it possible to swing together. Ground level
• Can you divide the play area into islands?
games makes it possible for everyone to reach them and play in peace and quiet. Contrast markings provides a clear environment
• Is it possible to separate play-intensive and
that creates security, for example, for children with visual impairment. Resting places for people to stop and rest the body or mind.
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
• Is there a toilet in the vicinity? • Are there rest areas next to the activities?
calm areas?
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
25
NETWORK accessibility & play At HAGS, we want to make it possible for more people to participate in play, in socialising, and in experiencing the excitement on the playground. To gain knowledge and to be sure we understand everything that is important, we have a network of people who are experts in accessibility and play, all with different backgrounds so we're covering various angles. We consult them regarding the design of new products, customer special ideas, questions from customers regarding accessibility, etc. We want to do our very best for the children and gain knowledge about the problems that children with disabilities face in everyday life. At present, our network consists of about 25 valuable people. They contribute with different backgrounds and experiences - from the Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the National Board of Agriculture, Generation Pep, Just ordinary, Jönköping University and a Special Preschool in Gothenburg. Plus, child development and inclusive play experts from UK and USA. Of course, the network also includes people with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities such as autism, visual impairment and wheelchair users. In order for children and parents to receive the best possible opportunities...
we want the knowledge to be real!
26
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
play for all. PARTICIPATION. ACCESSIBILITY & FUN
27
HAGS Aneby AB I Box 133 I 578 23 Aneby I telephone: 0380-473 00 I e-mail: hags@hags.com I
www.hags.com