Monthly Archives: November 2022

UNICEF's Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child uphold that children should fully enjoy games and recreations

Exists, In addition, normativa que garantiza la seguridad y la accesibilidad en los parques infantiles, como la Orden TMA/851 del Ministerio de Agenda Urbana y las normas UNE-EN 1176 y UNE 170001

La instalación de parques infantiles en entornos urbanos cumple con el derecho a jugar de niños y niñas, reivindicado por Afamour y contemplado en diferentes normas de ámbito internacional. Las diferentes actividades que se realizan en estos espacios lúdicos, que han de ser accesibles e inclusivos a todo el público, favorecen el aprendizaje cognitivo y el desarrollo de habilidades psicomotrices en edades tempranas, independientemente de la capacidad de cada una de las personas.

The derecho a jugar de niños y niñas está presente en normas como la Convención de los Derechos del Niño de UNICEF (1989), cuyo articulado recoge que “todos los niños con discapacidades mentales o físicas tienen derecho a disfrutar de una vida plena”, and the Declaración de los Derechos del Niño promovida por la ONU (1959). En esta última, se incluye que “el niño debe disfrutar plenamente de juegos y recreaciones, los cuales deberán estar orientados hacia los fines perseguidos por la educación”. Also, continúa el principio 7 de esta declaración, “las administraciones públicas se esforzarán por promover el goce de este derecho”.

Con este marco normativo internacional y la posterior aprobación de los Sustainable Development Goals -existen cinco ODS vinculados a los beneficios de los parques infantiles inclusivos (3, 4, 5, 10 and 11)-, las Administraciones son cada vez más conscientes de la necesidad de apostar por espacios de juego para niños y niñas que garanticen la accesibilidad y la inclusión, y acaben con las barreras y la segregación que pudiera darse con algunos de los elementos lúdicos instalados en estas zonas públicas de juego. En Afamour conocen desde hace tiempo de estas demandas y han sido pioneros en la proyección de lugares de juegos con áreas útiles para todos.

 

 

¿Qué normas regulan específicamente la accesibilidad en los parques infantiles?

Today, las Administraciones y los fabricantes de parques infantiles deben cumplir multitud de legislación referente a normativa técnica y normativa legal acerca de la instalación y mantenimiento de estos espacios de juego. Una de las leyes de aplicación nacional es la Orden TMA/851, of 23 July 2021, por la que el Ministerio de Agenda Urbana desarrolla el documento técnico de condiciones básicas de accesibilidad y no discriminación para el acceso y la utilización de los espacios públicos urbanizados.

Esta orden ministerial regula en su artículo 8 una serie de aspectos para garantizar la accesibilidad en los sectores de juegos infantiles:

• Uno de cada cinco elementos contará con criterios de accesibilidad universal, must be in children's games of dynamic type or that generates movement when introduced inside.
• The Access to children's play areas, as well as each element with universal accessibility criteria, and exercises from an accessible pedestrian route.
• They will be introduced Chromatic and texture contrasts between game and exercise elements […] to promote the orientation and perception of users.
• Along with the game elements that must have universal accessibility criteria, will be foreseen obstacle-free spaces where a circle of 1,50 meters in diameter at least.

Coexists with this order the UNE-EN standard 1176 What Regulates the safety of playgrounds and enter the Concept of 'easily accessible'’ with the following definition: “What Does not require a special skill to access the equipment and that users can move freely and quickly around the computer, No other consideration for the use of hands and feet”.

The standard should also be taken into account UNE 170001 of universal accessibility, with a first part that collects the DALCO criteria for facilitate accessibility to the environment:

• Ambulation o Move from one site to another To access places and objects following circulation zones, Approximation spaces, Rest areas, Changes of plane and pavements with non-slip characteristics.
• Apprehension o action of grasping, trap, turn, Manipulate or tap items thanks to Elements for the Location correctly signposted, design suitable for use by any user or Auxiliary staff when required.
• Localization of places and objects through Elements for signalling, lighting, Pavement and auxiliary services.
• Communication by means of Non-interactive media (Signs in paper form, audiovisual media, Illuminated signs, acoustic and tactile) and interactive (computer, optical reader or personnel competent in sign language).

This normative exhibition around playgrounds shows that Protections and recreational value are conditioned by safety standards. As an example, where a child goes up from 10 years in a wheelchair A one-year-old child must also walk up.

Precisely on this development of legislation, the president of Afamour, Look at Jimenez, details that “More and more local administrations are valuing children's areas as spaces that provide an important service to citizens and that they must be valid for everyone”, A fact that “is encouraging work on new regulations”. “This is the way forward”, Adds, “y cada vez la accesibilidad se irá tornando en algo más imprescindible”.

"If we can't put an end to our differences, Let's help make the world a good place for them."

John F. Kennedy

Afamour defends a design of these spaces with a global vision that guarantees accessibility to children with diverse physical and intellectual abilities

Inclusion, Accessibility, Learning and fun. These four values are essential when projecting, Develop and open to citizens a playground, as they defend from Afamour. The Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Urban Furniture and Playgrounds considers that These spaces must respond to the recreational needs of the youngest while allowing them to put their physical and intellectual skills into practice, regardless of the degree of capacity of each of them. Proof of this is the Recent campaign that they have promoted and that bears the title 'We all like to play'.

The commitment to accessibility, as explained by the president of Afamour, Look at Jimenez, must be done from “A global view”. In this sense, Jimenez argues that “No accessible item exists, but children's spaces must present different types of accessibility, each adapted to the different children and their needs”, so as not to segregate individuals. Applying this consideration in the design of an accessible playground, The space will count from a playful point of view with elements arranged for the interaction of a heterogeneous set.

In this sense, Inclusive play spaces go beyond accessibility needs and universal design solutions. In addition, aim to facilitate a variety of play experiences and challenges for all people to participate socially and fully in all activities. offered, your way, with a sense of being part of something. It's about encouraging An environment where coexistence and diversity are respected and valued.

This is reflected in the Guide '12 good practices. Recommendations for success in the creation of a children's play area', prepared by Afamour in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Public Parks and Gardens (Aepjp). A document that underlines that inclusion in these spaces will allow Users can enjoy the game and the area in the company of other children and families, without segregating anyone according to their abilities.

 

Criteria to ensure accessibility and universal design in playgrounds

Have A reference document around playgrounds allows urban furniture manufacturers and local administrations to ensure universal accessibility and design. In this sense, Afamour's guide of good practices establishes a series of recommendations to ensure game elements for everyone:

• Offer multiple recreational activities at ground level and include some with dynamic movement. They have to allow the experimentation of sensations and constitute challenges that encourage them to develop their skills y superarse.
• Ensure that the main element of the leisure area have at least A way to access and enjoy together so that no child feels left out.
• Choose elements that favor that children can play accompanied, safely and participating in the Excitement of enjoying together.
• Include game elements designed so that develop physical skills, Social, Cognitive, emotional and creative.

To these recommendations of Afamour, A series of Principles for designing accessible play spaces:

• Equitable use, where people with diverse abilities can participate without feeling segregated.
• Flexibility of use to ensure that all children, depending on your capabilities and preferences, have the opportunity to experience different levels of difficulty.
• Simple and intuitive to use, easy to understand, regardless of user experience, Language ability, and the level of knowledge and concentration at the time of the game.
• Perceptible information that allows users to explore, interact and participate as effectively and independently as possible.
• Fault tolerance, guaranteed by having the elements to minimize dangers and errors contemplated in the UNE-EN technical standard 1176.
• Low physical exertion that allows its use efficiently, with elements that make it easier for users to participate minimizing unnecessary effort and fatigue.
• Size and space for access and use in conditions of comfort, Security, equality and autonomy for all people, even those with motor skills, sensory or cognitive different.

Also, Different studies carried out in collaboration with entities of people with disabilities respond to what an inclusive playground should ensure:

• The Accessibility outside and inside of the park.
• Resources and Alternatives for access and use of existing elements so that everyone can participate and play according to their abilities.
• Variety of sensory and playful experiences with physical benefits, Cognitive, emotional and social.

With the application of these principles and the professional experience of its associates, Afamour ensures accessibility of playgrounds, as well as the interrelation between children and their families in these spaces. A reality confirmed by the 'Analysis of user profile of playgrounds in Spain', carried out by the Technological Institute of children's products and leisure, and what shows that the 81% of parents with children of 0 to 3 years play with them in the park. The percentage is 66% for parents with children of 4 to 7 years, and the 44% for those of 8 years or more.

Ensuring accessibility in playgrounds is essential. They are spaces that have become places of learning, Fun and conviviality, that become part of the urban scene and transcend, sometimes, to the cultural field. “This new vision has to do with very broad concepts of citizenship and this is where inclusion comes in.”, reasons Miren Jimenez.

The variety of play experiences and challenges allows people to participate socially and fully in an environment favorable to coexistence and diversity