ADA Swings

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) began with a signing ceremony at the White House on July 26, 1990. The spirit of ADA is straight forward; to provide accessibility for people of all abilities. Applying these principals to the playground industry was a natural transition. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ADAAG), also known as the "Access Board," developed guidelines to apply the spirit of ADA to playground areas, both new and existing.

Adapting playground activities to meet ADA guidelines can be quite challenging. The swinging sensation is very popular and desired by children of all abilities. Applying ADA guidelines to a swing was considered all but impossible! SportsPlay is proud to feature an accessible molded swing seat that is shaped to hold children in a supine position. A truly unique product is our Wheelchair Swing Platform that allows the entire wheelchair to swing. As such, the design of our swing platform eliminates the need for difficult wheelchair transition. Made of sturdy plastisol coated steel, the platform features a ramp for wheelchair access and egress. The platform is designed to allow the chair operator not only access to the platform, but also initiate the swing motion via a pull chain, if they are so inclined. The wheelchair swing platform mounts like a traditional swing via swing hangers and is suspended from the swing's top rail.

The wheelchair swing requires special consideration when placing the unit into the playground environment. Logic would dictate that the swing should be placed in an isolated area that would keep other children from crossing it's path when in motion. A common practice is to surround the unit with a barrier to keep others from crossing the swing's "to and fro" path. Another practice is to ensure the unit remains locked while not in use.

SportsPlay Equipment is proud to offer a product that embodies the true spirit of ADA, allowing children of all abilities access to playground events.