BigToys Accessible Playground Equipment

Big Toys Commercial Playground Equipment The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was first published in 1991 with the intent of establishing an imperative for providing accessible public facilities. In keeping with the original plan of the ADA, public play areas are now required to apply the ruling to the design, planning and layout of outdoor play areas in public areas.

Long before there was the Americans with Disabilities Act, BigToys focused on the needs of children of all abilities. Because our solutions to accessible play support a variety of play opportunities, BigToys has identified three primary product categories to provide more flexible solutions for our customers in planning well-balanced accessible play areas.

Play settings are characterized by one clear overriding play experience and are designed as complete units of play. Play settings are packed with play possibilities where children with all levels of ability can be in the center of play. Products such as our Playhouses provide a setting for play where just as much happens outside the equipment as inside.

Play structures create a world of play on a variety of elevations with collections of different activities such as slides, climbing components, and overhead events. Play structures also include architectural elements like roofs, balconies, and quiet spaces.

New Play Approach is referred to as Equivalent Facilitation within the Guide to ADA Accessibility Guidelines. The intent of New Play Approaches is to provide alternative designs and/or technologies that afford substantially greater access, to and usability of, the play area. An example of Equivalent Facilitation is offering alternatives to transfer or ramp access that lead to elevated play. New Play Approaches assures our customers that BigToys will continue to develop new and unique playground solutions for accessible play areas.

Play Types

Big Toys Commercial Playground Equipment Children seek the same basic play experiences. They are focused on developing their skills, challenging themselves, and exploring their world. They are also focused on playing together, communicating, and taking turns. BigToys identifies the basic play types as:

Rocking, Balancing, Spinning, Swinging, Training, Climbing/Crawling, Pretending, Experimenting, Sliding, Gathering.

Each is essential to the development of children and BigToy's design teams consistently incorporate a broad variety of play experiences into every play area.

One for all

All children have a right to play. And all children have the same basic needs and go through the same developmental stages. Play is the language that brings children of different abilities together. Through playing with other children they, develop social skills and learn about behavior, communication, acceptance, and friendship. Our philosophy is not to develop separate play activities for children with disabilities, instead we believe in integration and variety.

Senses and Movement

All children have an inner urge to seek the challenges and experiences they need for their development. The positive effect on all of the developmental areas of the child is directly connected to the amount of sensory experiences offered to the child.

Variety

BigToys play equipment offers challenges for all children regardless of their skills and abilities. Children with disabilities are no exception. When considering the total playground layout, diversity is important. We offer a wide range of products to meet the developmental needs of all children.

We know how to lend a helping hand

Children who use a mobility device should be given the opportunity to leave that mobility device as often as possible to actively participate in play. For this purpose, BigToys play equipment provides a variety of gripping possibilities like handholds and ropes. Some have transfer systems, which function as a link between the mobility device and the play equipment.

Completing the Loop

Integrated play is defined as providing all children with easy access to play activities. There should be an accessible route leading to the playground, as well as to the various play activities. It is important to be aware that for children, each individual piece of equipment constitutes a whole - a unity. We call it "completing the loop" which means that it is possible for the child to get to, use and return to the starting point. This creates continuity - total play environments with a wide variety of play opportunities where children of all abilities will find challenges.

Knowledgeable Help

Our team of accessibility specialists and play consultants nationwide are well trained and able to provide knowledgeable assistance. Use our rep locator or call 1-866-814-8697 to contact your local play consultant who will be happy to assist you in designing your new play area.

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