Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed the next steps to make playgrounds more accessible. The Government has announced that it wants to make it as easy as possible for local authorities to make the playgrounds they build or refurbish accessible. Accessibility features include even ground, accessible play equipment and sufficiently wide pathways.
Stuart launched his campaign for more inclusive play facilities in July 2021 (www.stuartanderson.org.uk/news/stuart-anderson-mp-campaigns-more-sensor…). He is delighted the Government will explore the most effective way of creating guidance on how to develop more inclusive and accessible playgrounds. This is with a view to developing guidance, so that more children, young people, and families can enjoy accessible playgrounds in their area.
The accessibility of playgrounds differs significantly, meaning that disabled children and children with disabled family members are not always able to use the playgrounds in their local areas. The Government has said it will explore new guidance on playground accessibility, working closely with the families disabled people’s experience panel, local authorities, playground equipment and facilities providers, and other organisations with expertise in this area.
The Government has also said that it will create an online hub of information for local authorities on creating accessible playgrounds by, for example, linking to information about inclusive community sports which can be located with a postcode search function, allowing the parents of disabled children to see if a playground is suitable for their children. In the consultation, 92% of respondents agreed with the proposal to create an online guidance hub. 93% thought that guidance should be a legal requirement.
It is part of the Government’s Disability Action Plan, which is informed by the views of over 1,300 disabled people, their families, and interested parties and sets out 32 steps to make the UK the most accessible place in the world for disabled people to live, work, and thrive. The Government will also create a new fund to support disabled people who want to be elected to public office, improve support for people with assistance dogs, and explore bidding to be the host of the 2031 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The Government also invests in the Family Fund, which provides grants that can be used to purchase a range of things including sensory toys and equipment.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “I am pleased the Government is responding to calls for playgrounds to be designed and upgraded in more accessible and inclusive ways. The new guidance and online information hub for local authorities will help to ensure they listen to the needs of children with disabilities when planning such facilities. In addition to the other measures outlined in the Disability Action Plan, it will help to ensure that our country becomes the most accessible place in the world - ensuring that everyone can live their life to the full.”
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Mims Davies MP, said: “This new wide ranging plan means disabled children can rightly enjoy the fun of the playground, disabled customers can use the services they’re entitled to and businesses who break laws around assistance dogs will be firmly held to account amongst other impactful changes. I look forward to seeing the immediate impact of the Disability Action Plan while we deliver on long-term reforms to make this country the most accessible.”