Designing for Inclusive Play : Down Syndrome
Designing for Inclusive Play : Down Syndrome
At Austek Play, we are commited to providing innovate playspaces for everyone to enjoy. We want to help create spaces that celebrate the unique qualities that we all have and ensure we design spaces that allows these qualities to shine.
The most important and often overlooked step in designing inclusive play spaces is gaining a thorough understanding of the various disabilities present in our community, and how best to cater for the broad spectrum of challenges these users face.
We will be focusing on one disability every week up until the 3rd of December, which is the International Day of People with Disability. We’ll be giving some general information on specific disabilities and then outline some of the innovative ways which we recommend addressing those challenges when designing your future play space with Austek Play.
Together, we can make Australian Playgrounds more inclusive!
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in a baby’s cells. All children with Down syndrome have some degree of learning disability and delayed development, but this varies widely between individual children. In Australia, it is estimated that there are about 290 babies born each year who have Down syndrome.
View Down syndrome Australia website for further information
Children with Down syndrome may be slower to learn skills like sitting, standing, walking, and talking. They will develop these skills eventually, although it just takes more time. Around 1 in every 10 children with Down syndrome also have other conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
There are some conditions more common in people with Down syndrome. These include problems with the heart and bowel, difficulties with hearing and vision, a higher risk of infections. We consider including equipment that will provide good physical, sensory and cooperative opportunities. Supportive equipment is also important for users with Down’s syndrome because of low muscle tone.
The Dragonfly See Saw is a good example of traditional play equipment (see-saw) re-designed to be inclusive. It provides back and foot support for users with a lower gross motor strength. The riders recline and use their leg power to rise and fall by pushing against the central bar. Themed Play Units are also great for children with Down’s Syndrome as they spark imagination and encourage interaction with their peers.
Suggested equipment for children with Down syndrome:
- The Dragonfly SeeSaw
- The Titan Carousel – With a Mirage Seat
- Musical and Auditory Equipment
- Themed Play Units
- The Tango Swing Seat / Mirage Swing Seat
- Sensory and Interactive Equipment
Austek Play’s approach
We pride ourselves on being passionate about bringing Inclusive Play into Australian Parks and Schools. Our most popular products for inclusive play provide a rich range of physical, sensory, and social play values.
Follow Austek Play on LinkedIn for the latest information on Inclusive Play and the playground industry or contact us to get in touch and see how we can make your new play space more inclusive!
Click here to view our brochure, which contains a snapshot of Austek Play’s Inclusive Range!
