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A comment on the guests written by
Tilly Griffiths
Tilly Griffiths is the executive director of a junior account in the social good and for public interconnection in New York and the Community Impact Writer for the Magical Bridge Foundation. He has a master’s degree in communication from Stanford.
Growing up, the game time was the least of my favorite part of the school day.
As my classmates were leaking free, uninvited by the structure of the classroom, my isolation became obviously obvious. They jumped, jumped and banished each other through the playground while looking from the sidelines. The kingdom they built on the plastic gym in the jungle was one that I could never enter my power wheelbarrow.
The playgrounds were not designed for me – or for anyone who could not climb the stairs, swing from monkey bars, or interact with equipment in a “typical” way. What had to be a joyous space has only strengthened my shutdown.
My story is not unique. During the school year 2022-23, 7.5 million students aged 3-21 years received special educational services under the Disability Education Act. In California approximately 837,000 children are enrolled in special educationS For too many young people, the playground is a symbol of exclusion, not belonging.
The game time is much more than a vacation from academics. It encourages physical fitness, creativity and basic social skills. For children with disabilities, the bets are even higher: the game improves coordination, balance and strength, while relieving anxiety and focus.
In addition, playgrounds are a microcosm of society. As Parent Lina Godfrey noted, “Who is seen and who is not, who is welcome and who is not – these things matter to the future of the Community of Disabilities more than we can know.”
With the exception of children with disabilities, we strengthen the culture of separation and waste opportunities for connection, empathy and growth. Inclusive playgrounds benefit from everyone, encouraging different friendships and encouraging understanding from an early age.
Nevertheless, the inclusion is still treated as a “topic” or “special request” and not as a standard standard in the design of the playground. ADA compliance – the minimum standard – does not guarantee real accessibility. Many so -called “affordable” playgrounds ignore the needs of children with disabilities, offering gesture gestures, not meaningful solutions.
This needs to change.
Visiting Magic Bridge playground in Palo AltoFor the first time, I felt what I felt completely. The equipment adapts a number of abilities, which allows everyone – regardless of physical or cognitive challenges – to play together. These playgrounds prove that inclusion is transformative when done correctly.
Last month, Magical Bridge has opened its 10th playground At Rengstorff Park in Mountain View, which is a cornerstone that sets a standard for communities everywhere.
True inclusion requires boldness. Californians must require designs that welcome us in the bodies we have now and those we will grow old. The playground intended for everyone is not just pleasant – it is essential.
When we prioritize a priority, the whole community benefits. Children grow to learn justice and empathy; Adults and adults find joy and relationship; And these spaces show us the world, as it might be: welcoming to all.
This trip begins with our schools. Playgrounds, like what creates the magic bridge, reflect the appearance of the world we want to inhabit, and every child deserves to experience this vision. Every child deserves a place to play and every community has the power to make this reality.
