Although she might not always use the frame, when she did, Keri-Ann was afforded a degree of independence from staff that no other method of care could or would have provided. It works as a means of locomotion for the child as well as an integrative, inclusive, normalizing activity. Certainly it is true that, as the years pass, therapy equipment begins to become part of your general inventory, but primarily what you need is to use a little imagination with a wide variety of standard equipment. Realizing that children with physical challenges would be members of our centre, we planned our outdoor play space carefully. For example, we have a large sandbox with multiple levels.
Children can sit in, stand beside or slide a wheelchair under parts of the box.
The Exerglide enables arm pumping for those with limited leg power and the added social advantage of safely accommodating two folks at a time. Much of the playground surface is Tuff-Turf or Elastocrete to provide cushioning against falls while allowing for easy walking or wheelchair mobility. It is equipment that all can enjoy and share. Letting the children lead is the key to opening many learning and experiential doors. Allowing this to happen is not always easy.