Accessible play areas: Able-bodied and handicapped kids can share many playgrounds

That was the goal of the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute and some 40 businesses and organizations that helped in the project: provide a playground that able-bodied and handicapped kids can share.

Before, 10-year-old Anthony, who has muscular dystrophy, and other handicapped kids couldn’t join their playmates on the school’s original playground, which still exists.

Now he can navigate his wheelchair onto the spongy surface and right up to the play apparatus.

While he doesn’t have the mobility to climb the new structure, Anthony can play with gadgets installed at a seated level. He also can frolic with the other kids under and around the structure.

The new equipment lets him “feel like he fits in,” said Jamie Planck.

Read it all here.

Published on May 27, 2008

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