News from Northern Ireland Regional Committee

This article was initially published in the APCP Newsletter on the 27th February 2023

Accessible Northern Ireland

In March 2022, Northern Ireland Finance Minister announced changes to building regulations, making provisions requiring Changing Places toilets in certain buildings commonly used by the public. These much needed provisions were welcomed as an important step to improving inclusion and equality, and will have a huge impact on the lives of disabled people, their careers and their families. One of our most basic needs as a society is having the right facilities available which can reduce isolation, improve mental health and esteem for those that require these facilities.

For further details please see:

https://www.changing-places.org/find

Play Board NI

As paediatric physiotherapists, the promotion of movement is paramount. Play has an integral role in providing children with the ability to develop skills such as co-ordination, motor skills, cognitive abilities, social awareness and language. Child health and wellbeing is a prerequisite for child development.

Public playgrounds are an iconic symbol of childhood.Playgrounds are not only a fun place to be but also provide a full body workout encouraging the habit of exercise and potentially encouraging kids to continue to remain active as they get older.

However, children with disabilities still face significant barriers in accessing play opportunities. According to Play Board NI, 57% of families in Northern Ireland who have a child with a physical, learning, sensory, medical, undiagnosed or complex need are unable to play in play parks as often as they would like. More than half of these families have to travel long distances to access a play park that meets their family’s need. In addition, 40% of these families rated the play experience on offer within fixed play parks as being poor or very poor.

For more information please see:

https://www.playboard.org/

The above statistics have shocked many of the councils across Northern Ireland and they are currently developing new play parks, in conjunction with Changing Places, to create an exciting, fun, inclusive, accessible and safe place for parents and children of all abilities. The following provides information on some of our accessible playparks in Northern Ireland.

Gortin Glen Forest Park

(https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/parks-and-open-spaces/play-parks/gortin-glen-forest-park-destination-play-park/)

Play equipment accessible to children with a disability.
Swings, roundabouts, climbing frames, springers and rockers, the playpark also features an in ground trampoline, sensory panels; multi activity units, climbing nets and wall, and pod swings.

Roe Mill Playing Fields, Limavady

(https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/council/equality-diversity-and-the-disability-duties/screening-outcome-reports/screening-reports-2020/screening-reports-july-to-september-2020-1/new)

Inclusive orbit roundabout, booms tubes and interactive activity wall.
Chill Zone and accessible trail which provides a sensory experience for all users.

Diversity Park at Flower Field Portstewart