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1.2 All -Abilities Playground <br />DEFINITION <br />The term "all -abilities" describes a space that is <br />designed to be both accessible and inclusive. <br />Accessible playground design is required by the <br />Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Code, as <br />summarized in the `Accessible Play Areas' booklet <br />published by the United States Access Board. This <br />guide outlines ways to create a general level of <br />playground usability for children with disabilities, <br />such as requirements that certain quantities and <br />types of play components be located along an <br />accessible route. Accessible routes comply with <br />ADA guidelines for elements including the material, <br />width, and slope of the path of travel. An all -abilities <br />playground goes beyond ADA guidelines by using an <br />inclusive design process to focus on more than just <br />physical access to a space. <br />Inclusive is defined as "including or covering all." <br />While inclusive playgrounds are often primarily <br />designed to offer play experiences for those with <br />disabilities such as impaired mobility, hearing/ <br />vision, sensory disorders, etc.—a truly inclusive <br />playground also considers other groups in our <br />Mia's Dream Come True, an inclusive playground in Hayward, CA. <br />society such as the elderly, teenagers, those from <br />other cultures, and those without disabilities. <br />The goal is that no group feels singled out as <br />having a playground designed explicitly for them, <br />nor without them. Inclusive design brings people <br />together to participate and play alongside one <br />another. <br />In order to achieve a high level of inclusivity and <br />accessibility, the Pleasanton All -Abilities Playground <br />design process was guided by the 7 Principles <br />of Universal Design that were developed by the <br />University of North Carolina's Center for Universal <br />Design: <br />• Equitable Use: access to uses by people of all <br />abilities. <br />Flexibility in Use: to accommodate a wide <br />range of uses. <br />Simple and Intuitive Use: use of spaces is <br />easy to understand. <br />• Perceptible Information: information is <br />communicated effectively. <br />• Tolerance for Error: hazards are minimized. <br />Low Physical Effort: amenities and play <br />features can be used efficiently. <br />• Size and Space for Approach and Use: <br />appropriate size and space is provided for <br />approach and use. <br />MASTER PLAN 11 <br />