This has been the biggest fear of mine for years. My heart goes out to Ikhlas' family. 💗
https://twitter.com/StarTribune/status/1437228244961476608
1/ Yes, adults are responsible for kids. As a former educator & nanny I was focused on kids only.
However, caring for multiple kids or one kid who is very exploratory or has disabilities, it is extremely difficult to do so in a large environment without clear boundaries.
However, caring for multiple kids or one kid who is very exploratory or has disabilities, it is extremely difficult to do so in a large environment without clear boundaries.
2/ Why?
Even with two adults following 1 child closely behind, watching every move, some playground equipment has multiple exit points:
slides
stairs
tubes
ropes
Some slides & stairs exit near or in sight of parking lots or water.
And, children are fast!
Even with two adults following 1 child closely behind, watching every move, some playground equipment has multiple exit points:
slides
stairs
tubes
ropes
Some slides & stairs exit near or in sight of parking lots or water.
And, children are fast!
/3 The layout of playground equipment can make it hard to see where the child will exit from. Even on non-busy days.
So, if a child is suddenly overwhelmed or fixated on something they may suddenly quietly elope.
It's fast.
It's unexpected.
It happens.
So, if a child is suddenly overwhelmed or fixated on something they may suddenly quietly elope.
It's fast.
It's unexpected.
It happens.
/4 If you do manage to see your child running off it can be hard to reach them in time to stop them.
Many autistic & children w/developmental disabilities cannot process auditory commands. Especially when fixated or sensory overloaded.
It's just how their amazing brains are.❤️
Many autistic & children w/developmental disabilities cannot process auditory commands. Especially when fixated or sensory overloaded.
It's just how their amazing brains are.❤️
/5 How come?
It has to do with the Amygdala.
When startled, frightened or sensory overwhelmed the Amygdala in the brain is triggered. The brain cannot process auditory or even visual communication. Kids can't hear their name called or process commands "Stop!" Or "Danger!".
It has to do with the Amygdala.
When startled, frightened or sensory overwhelmed the Amygdala in the brain is triggered. The brain cannot process auditory or even visual communication. Kids can't hear their name called or process commands "Stop!" Or "Danger!".
/7 Playgrounds are supposed to be fun! A time to bond w/your child & to let them develop through exploration. A community space to meet other families.
For us it's something made of nightmares. It took 2+ adults to bring our child age 18mos to age 7 to a playground.
For us it's something made of nightmares. It took 2+ adults to bring our child age 18mos to age 7 to a playground.
/8 Our LO is autistic & has visual depth disabilities. It means when on playground equipment they think the ground level is same height as 6'. W/out safety rails it's terrifying!
As a parent you don't discover this until a child falls off over & over. Luckily we caught our LO.
As a parent you don't discover this until a child falls off over & over. Luckily we caught our LO.
/9 Our LO is a runner!
Especially when overwhelmed. No amount of setting expectations, using Social Stories, etc could quiet the Guard Dog - Amygdala.
W/out replicating me into 10 moms w/20 legs & arms, only fenced in playgrounds slowed down our child & prevented catastrophe.
Especially when overwhelmed. No amount of setting expectations, using Social Stories, etc could quiet the Guard Dog - Amygdala.
W/out replicating me into 10 moms w/20 legs & arms, only fenced in playgrounds slowed down our child & prevented catastrophe.
10/ What can be done?
For families of all ages to be included, welcome & safer at playgrounds:
♿Create clear boundaries
♿Eliminate direct sight lines to roads or water
♿Reduce exit points from equipment & playground environment
♿Make equipment literally accessible to ALL
For families of all ages to be included, welcome & safer at playgrounds:
♿Create clear boundaries
♿Eliminate direct sight lines to roads or water
♿Reduce exit points from equipment & playground environment
♿Make equipment literally accessible to ALL
11/ Finally, include & listen to individuals & families with various disabilities.
We know what is needed for everyone to have access safely & to feel welcomed.
❤️ What works for us works for all.
#NotWithOutUs
#DisabilityTwitter
#Inclusion
#Playground
#KidsMatter
We know what is needed for everyone to have access safely & to feel welcomed.
❤️ What works for us works for all.
#NotWithOutUs
#DisabilityTwitter
#Inclusion
#Playground
#KidsMatter
Thank you to all the families for caring & speaking up.
Thank you EPD & @EdinaMN for continuing to learn about accessibility & working towards creating a more inclusive city. It is hardwork but it pays off.
Thank you @kimvhyatt for your research, empathy & integrity.
🥄❤️🥄
Thank you EPD & @EdinaMN for continuing to learn about accessibility & working towards creating a more inclusive city. It is hardwork but it pays off.
Thank you @kimvhyatt for your research, empathy & integrity.
🥄❤️🥄
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