Accessible Playgrounds at WDW

[MightyMom]

A while back I mentioned the fact that on WDW property there were no accessible playgrounds at any of the resort hotels.

All resort hotels have at least one playground, but none of them have been modified for a child with special needs. (ie sandtable instead of a stand box so a child in a wheelchair can also play, swings with highbacks and harnesses)

I started a letter writing campaign and sent a letter to just about any WDW executive I could contact.

I received a phone call and letter from the WDW executive offices. They seemed interested, but just weren't sure this would be something people would make use of. I told them they would probably be hearing from more parents as I was trying to start a letter writing campaign to show WDW that an accessible playground would be appreciated and used by children of all abilities.

I beg ya'll to help out and write letters.

Address them to

Cheryl Woodard
Executive Offices
Walt Disney World Resort
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-1000

I appreciate your help and commitment. I know it may seem like a small thing. But for a child in a wheelchair who has to sit on the sidelines and watch their siblings and friends have fun, it is a HUGE thing.

 

[SueM in MN]

bumping up so more people see this

 

[disneyobessed]

BUMPING!
I totally agree to this. My son is in a handicapped stroller (6 with CP) this would be great. Everywhere else in disney is so accomidating im surprised they havnt doen this already.

 

[dclfun]

I'll be glad to write a letter. I don't have a disabled child but set up the accessible playground in Lakeland which is used by every child whether disabled or not. This should appeal to them to have an inclusive playground for anyone vs. just for the disabled. It would make a great photo op and would be a great selling point to see all children regardless of ability, playing together at WDW. ---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

I'll be glad to write a letter. I don't have a disabled child but set up the accessible playground in Lakeland which is used by every child whether disabled or not. This should appeal to them to have an inclusive playground for anyone vs. just for the disabled. It would make a great photo op and would be a great selling point to see all children regardless of ability, playing together at WDW. ---Kathy

very good points

My DDs are a little old for playgrounds now, but I would have liked one when they were little. To have my non-disabled child and my disabled child playing together in an inclusive playground would have been wonderful.

One of the few times DD did try to get into a play area at WDW, she ventured too close to the edge of the sidewalk. One of her front casters got into the sand, which made her wheelchair tip over on its side. So, picture a wheelchair on its side in the sand. DD was still perfectly positioned since she was strapped in with a seatbelt and footstraps. People came running from all over to help us. They thought she was crying, but she was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. I ended up laughing too, just from the absurdity of the whole situation. She liked all the attention and tried to go off the edge the next time we went, but I headed her off. It would have been nice to have had a little less exciting playground experience.

 

[maccumby]

I'll be glad to write a letter. I don't have a disabled child but set up the accessible playground in Lakeland which is used by every child whether disabled or not. This should appeal to them to have an inclusive playground for anyone vs. just for the disabled. It would make a great photo op and would be a great selling point to see all children regardless of ability, playing together at WDW. ---Kathy

That sounds wonderful!!!!

I do have a child with a disability and will gladly write some letters!!

 

[disneyandme]

"All resort hotels have at least one playground, :"

Be careful about your wording in your letter campaign. All restorts don't have playgrounds-- GF and Poly come to mind right now. I think accessible playgrounds is a great idea and would love to see it happen.

 

[videogal1]

I'll be glad to write a letter. I don't have a disabled child but set up the accessible playground in Lakeland which is used by every child whether disabled or not. This should appeal to them to have an inclusive playground for anyone vs. just for the disabled. It would make a great photo op and would be a great selling point to see all children regardless of ability, playing together at WDW. ---Kathy

Hi dclfun...Don't you think Fred could help?

 

[dclfun]

Lynda- I'm not so sure if Fred could help because I doubt it's an ADA requirement to have an accessible playground. In my letter I'm going to enclose some photos of the three accessible playgrounds in Lakeland being utilized. Each one is different with different features but the bottom line is the same- everyone can play there. There was an article this month in "Quest" also ( the MDA magazine) about accessible playgrounds and building them which I'll enclose as well. I wish there was a way to reach more people to write. Perhaps the OP might have some suggestions or perhaps this could be posted over at the Resorts board. The playground would benefit every family and every child. ---Kathy