Document Type
Student Research Paper
Date
Spring 2022
Academic Department
Occupational Therapy
Faculty Advisor(s)
Dr. Judy Beck Ericksen and Dr. Debbie Waltermire
Abstract
Play is one of the most important occupations of children, both because it supports development of children’s skills and because it provides meaningful experiences for play participants. Playgrounds provide a valuable community setting where children can play together, but the opportunity for children with disabilities to equally experience the benefits of playground play depends largely on a playground’s degree of accessibility, usability, and inclusivity. While there is research on the differences in play among children with different abilities and evidence-based guidance on how to make playground play more accessible, usable, and inclusive for children of all abilities, the extent to which local playgrounds reflect research guidelines for best practice is unclear. To address this question, several playgrounds in the Elizabethtown, PA area were analyzed using a modified checklist for inclusive playgrounds.
Recommended Citation
Pellicano, Emily, "Playgrounds Should Be a Place for All Children" (2022). Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works. 41.
https://jayscholar.etown.edu/otstu/41
Notes
Honors Senior Thesis; Honors in the Discipline; OT 494 Undergraduate Scholarship Practicum II; Scholarship and Creative Arts Day (SCAD)