Playgrounds For All Children: Here's How To Find One

Brooklyn Fisher rolls down the ramp on the playground named for her in Pocatello, Idaho. The playground was built using accessible features so children of all abilities could play alongside each other. John W. Poole/NPR hide caption

Brooklyn Fisher rolls down the ramp on the playground named for her in Pocatello, Idaho. The playground was built using accessible features so children of all abilities could play alongside each other.

Janna Espinoza's daughter Coraline has hearing loss, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and developmental delays. Nearly 2 years old, she can't sit up, stand, creep or use her hands as a typically developing child does.

Coraline is among an estimated 6.4 million children in the U.S. with a disability. And for these kids the simple ritual of playing outside can get very complicated.

"My daughter can't do very much at a typical playground, except watch her older sister play," says Espinoza. "Playgrounds are a depressing place for us."

On a typical playground, danger lurks just about everywhere.

"The infant bucket swings are not safe," explains Espinoza. "She can't go down the slide. She can't play in the sand unless she is on her stomach."

Safety fence: A fence contains children within the playground and keeps them away from outside hazards such as roads, drop-offs and bodies of water.

John Poole/NPR

Single entrance: It's easier for parents and caregivers to monitor children in a playground with only one way in or out, reducing the likelihood that they'll exit without being noticed.

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Playgrounds For All Children: Here's How To Find One