Inclusion Matters: Creating Conditions of Possibility in Outdoor Play Environments

Park and recreation professionals have championed outdoor inclusive play destinations for years; however, there has been a lack of valid research to help make a data-driven case. Do these outdoor environments really change the possibility of enhanced play experiences? Can the environmental design impact play behaviors between children of all abilities? Are their play behaviors similar or different? Discover evidence-based design best practices to create inclusive play destinations that support increased congruent play behaviors between children with and without disabilities to break down both physical and social barriers to participate in more meaningful ways! Research findings and data from observational behavior mapping within individual behavior settings offer new insight on the types, modes and complexity of play behaviors between children with and without disabilities. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize evidence-based research findings of play behaviors observed for both children with and without disabilities in outdoor inclusive play settings. 
2. List at least five design considerations that describe playground behavior settings and how they can support distinct behavior possibilities for children of all abilities. 
3. Create an advocacy statement to raise awareness and support inclusive, equitable play opportunities in your community.