Event Details

Date:	Apr 18 - 20, 2006
Location:	Indiana University-Bloomington
URL:	http://www.ncaonline.org
Contact:	National Center on Accessibility
Phone:	(812) 856-4422 voice or (812) 856-4421 (TTY)

Creating accessible play environments that are inclusive of children with disabilities still stands as a challenge for playground owners today, even with the evolution of playground safety standards and accessibility guidelines. How can we design accessible and inclusive playscapes while at the same time offer exceptional play value that contributes to child development for both children with disabilities and their peers without disabilities?

Internationally renown for its research, technical assistance and educational programs promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in parks and recreation, the National Center on Accessibility at Indiana University will host a National Symposium on Playground Access, April 18-20 at the Indiana Memorial Union in the heart of the Bloomington campus.

This NCA National Symposium is geared towards public playground owners/operators, NPSI Certified Playground Safety Inspectors, park and recreation professionals, school administrators, designers, parents and advocates for the inclusion of children with disabilities. Educational sessions will cover family and disability, child development and disability implications, accessibility guidelines for playgrounds and park amenities, considerations for accessible play equipment and surfacing, and the principles of universal design.

Participants will have the opportunity to dialogue directly with presenters, professionals who have dedicated much of their careers to the modern inclusive playground movement. This will also be an excellent opportunity for participants to network, share examples, ideas and resources with constituents from across the country. Please note that the National Symposium curriculum has been designed to compliment, not duplicate, the educational courses and technical assistance publications offered by the National Playground Safety Institute and the U.S. Access Board. Joining NCA instructors, guest speakers with national expertise in disability, inclusion, universal design and playground design have been invited to make presentations and represent the National Playground Safety Institute, the National Center for Boundless Playgrounds, PlayCore-the parent company of GameTime and Park Structures, Sof' Solutions, Everplay and others.