Bill seeks better play areas for children

A House of Commons private members’ bill from
Adrian Sanders, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, in Devon, is
calling for councils to incorporate the needs of disabled children
when they renovate, or build unsupervised play areas. The bill is
supported by disability charities Mencap and Kidsactive, and the
Children’s Play Council.

Key improvements outlined in the bill, which
had its second reading last week, include: local authorities to
make adequate provision for disabled children in local play areas
including access and play equipment, and ensure that service
providers comply with any relevant areas of the Disability
Discrimination Act 1995 before making a financial commitment.

Mencap’s head of campaigns Richard Kramer
said: “Play is what children need and want to do in their spare
time and this has to include disabled children. Low-cost simple
solutions in play areas can make a significant difference to
disabled children.”