Accessible or Inclusive? Why the Difference Matters More Than Ever

This July marks 36 years since President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990. It’s worth pausing on that milestone, because it changed what a public playground is legally required to be. It did not, on its own, change what a playground could be.

That gap between what is required and what is possible is exactly where the difference between accessible and inclusive play lives.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides requirements for accessible playgrounds. Playgrounds that meet these standards include pathways, safety surfacing, and other elements that mainly target physical or wheelchair accessibility.

While playground accessibility is an important step, our goal with inclusive playgrounds is to go beyond accessibility requirements to create a fun and inviting environment for children and adults with a range of abilities and interests.

Inclusive playground design asks a harder question: once every child is physically present, can they actually play together? That means side-by-side equipment so a child using a mobility device and a child who is not can use the same feature at the same time, not a separate “accessible corner” tucked off to the side. It means sensory-rich elements like tactile panels and music components for children with autism or sensory processing needs. It means quiet, low-stimulation retreat spaces built into the design, not treated as an afterthought. Accessibility is about entry. Inclusion is about belonging.

We want to create play spaces for people with different mobility, emotional, neurological, and intellectual needs. Inclusive design is the best way to ensure play is available for all. 

Inclusive playgrounds provide many of benefits for children of all ages and abilities, parents, and caregivers. They provide children with a place to socialize and learn important skills such as conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork.

Inclusive playground equipment encourages children of different ability levels to collaborate and engage in group play. Inclusive playgrounds also bring families and community members together, promoting diversity and creating a welcoming space where people can spend quality time outdoors.

We offer various types of playground equipment that help create a more inclusive environment for all. 

Multi-sensory play equipment is engaging for children of all abilities. Play elements that include visual, auditory, or tactile elements are beneficial for encouraging sensory development and can be placed along paths making them accessible to reach. Children who prefer quieter or independent play can also enjoy sensory equipment such as activity panels. 

The AeroGlider encourages cooperation and teamwork of children of all ages and abilities. It includes spaces for children to sit and stand, enough room for two wheelchair users to sit, and rails for adults or kids to help their friends glide.

The Unity RockR and Unity SpinR allow multiple people to sit, lay, stand, or climb to rock or spin with friends. 

You can download the Inclusive Play Design Guide for detailed information on planning, layout, access, equipment selection, and more.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect, grow, and have fun through play. Inclusive playgrounds are welcoming and enjoyable spaces for all, and we are here to help create these spaces in your community.