Accessible Playground Equipment Supports Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Inclusivity of Play at Provincial Schools

  • Transportation and Works
  • Education and Early Childhood Development
  • Children, Seniors and Social Development

October 26, 2018

As part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity of education and play at schools throughout the province, the Department of Transportation and Works has allocated $500,000 for the installation of additional accessible playground equipment.

The school districts will make the best possible use of the funds by installing accessible 10-seat merry-go-round spinners, sand and water tables, swing seats, musical chime panels and rubber safety mats at 38 schools throughout the province. The new equipment is currently being installed.

Alterations are also ongoing to make school parking lots more accessible as required by amendments to the Provincial Buildings Regulations.

The Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes report, “Now is the Time” outlined 82 recommendations, including 16 directly related to inclusive education that are helping guide the development of government’s Education Action Plan.

Supporting education and implementing the Education Action Plan delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at www.thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Our government invests millions of dollars for upgrades and renovations to schools each year, including important accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities. By improving accessibility for classrooms, ramps and washroom facilities and now playgrounds, we are providing a safe and inclusive school environment for everyone. We will continue to work with the school districts, the Disability Policy Office and other stakeholder groups to identify opportunities to further increase accessibility at schools in the future.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works

“Our government is committed to the principles of inclusive education, which go beyond the placement of students in classroom environments. Providing accessible playgrounds to students is important not only for the physical benefits, but it also allows children to connect socially, giving them more opportunities to play, be active and have fun with their friends.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“Accessible playgrounds are inclusive spaces where all children can connect and interact through valuable social and physical activity. These investments are a significant step toward achieving full inclusion for all children who attend our province’s schools and we will continue to promote and encourage accessible recreation as an important element of an inclusive society.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

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Learn more

The Way Forward: A Multi-Year Plan for Infrastructure InvestmentsPDF icon

New Buildings Accessibility Regulations Effective Next Month

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Media contacts
Rod Drover
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 730-4607
rodneycdrover@gov.nl.ca

Christopher Pickard
Education and Early Childhood Development
729-0048, 687-9903
christopherpickard@gov.nl.ca

Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

2018 10 26 3:20 pm