Accessibuild

In our many discussions about building a new playground, concerns about vandalism were referenced time and time again. Particularly around on-site washrooms, but also about the playground in general. People cautioned and warned us of the many things that can go wrong. While vandalism is a reality, these things should not hold us back from creating these vital community spaces and experiences.

We are prepared for the work that is to come in making the Sydney River Inclusive Playground Project a reality. We are also prepared for the work that is to come in maintaining it. As parents and as community-minded people, we are solution focused. Not to mention, it’s not our first rodeo in cleaning up big messes.

Continue to look for the helpers. Continue to BE the helpers!

On the first day of school, we are calling on everyone involved Cape Breton Regional Municipality CBRM Active Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board Nova Scotia Government to ensure their Access by Design 2030 plans INCLUDE school and community playgrounds.

We are sure students with disabilities who are showing up to school today to see the new rubber mat installed so they are able to access a single swing are thrilled - but we aren’t. We need to do better! We have heard from people with disabilities time and time again that wood chips and EWF are not accessible, and a single swing option is NOT inclusion.

Access to recreation is health promotion and prevention and it creates a future where differences are celebrated and respected!

These playgrounds are where it all begins.

LET’S DO BETTER - TOGETHER!!

In 2024, disabled children and adults are still excluded from playgrounds. Together, we can change this. The Able Fables has already donated over $50,000 to build inclusive playgrounds across the USA! Through December, we’re partnering with Morrison Park Playground in Agoura Hills, California, with a goal to donate $5,000. Will you help us build this inclusive space? Here’s how you can support: 1️⃣Shop at theablefables.com for disability-inclusive books, apparel, mugs, stickers, and more. 2️⃣Visit our sister shop at inclusionandbrand.com. 3️⃣Order in bulk and save 50%-60% on children’s books and apparel. Minimums start at 15 for books and vary for t-shirts. 4️⃣Spread the word: Talk about The Able Fables with your friends and share our social media posts. 5️⃣Donate directly to Morrison Park! Comment “Support” below, and I’ll send you the links to both my shops AND a direct donation link if you’d prefer to donate straight to the playground! 🛝

✨ Celebrate the Good ✨

While you would still need adaptive equipment to access the beach and water, we were pleasantly surprised by the level of accessibility at Carter’s Beach in Port Mouton.

There was a new paved parking lot that included a turnaround spot that could be used for dropping off and picking up. There was an individual there to ensure it remained clear.

We then approached the zero step entry washrooms to find they had lever handles, were extremely spacious, had grab bars, and even a built-in adult sized change table or seat to get changed comfortably.

The grade of the slope was even posted! This is helpful because individuals can make informed decisions about how to move forward safely.

Of course, there are always things that can be added for enhanced access. However, the fact that this beach took the steps they did should be commended!

♿️ Accessible Homes ♿️

These are the types of inquiries we get all the time. Accessible code rarely translates to a meaningfully accessible and functional design.

Whether it is your home or your business, engaging accessibility professionals and individuals with lived experience is essential!

The TD Halifax Jazz Festival wants to ensure the best festival experience possible!

Here's some information about accessibility.

The Waterfront TD Main Stage is wheelchair accessible, including washrooms, cable mats, a viewing platform, and the site will be audited by a wheelchair user and accessibility advisor.

Please arrive at 7 p.m. to allow adequate time to make you comfortable. The viewing platform is first come, first serve.

If you have any questions or concerns in advance of your outing to the festival, please contact [email protected]

For more information, please visit https://www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca/accessibility

☀️ Playgrounds ☀️

As the Sydney River Recreation Society continues to make headway in their efforts of developing Cape Breton’s first fully accessible and inclusive playground, we’ve been scoping them out everywhere we go!

There are a lot of great things about this playground, and they deserve to be celebrated. There are also a few things that unfortunately still result in this playground being inaccessible.

While engineered wood fiber is ADA approved, certainly more firm than generic wood chips, and makes for a softer surface for falls, it really isn’t an accessible surface for most people. And believe it or not, even though it is cheaper upfront, it costs more to maintain in the long run than rubberized surfacing.

Despite what playground and surfacing representatives tell you, you need to do your research or consult an individual with lived experience/professional. Accessible doesn’t always mean meaningfully accessible and inclusive, and I’m proud to say that SRRS is working toward the latter!

👏🏼 Crosswalk Appreciation Post 👏🏼

Parking lots can be particularly dangerous due to several factors including reduced visibility, slower movement, limited accessibility, uneven surfaces, obstructed paths, curb-related risks, high traffic, sensory overload and more.

When we saw these brightly painted crosswalk lines, we knew we had to celebrate! Enhanced accessibility doesn’t always have to be costly!

Last minute, but funding available for accessibility upgrades!

www.rbc.com

⭐️ Learning Moment ⭐️

Just had a great impromptu conversation with my 2 year old about playground accessibility when his puppy who uses wheels to get around was prevented from playing because the playground used rocks. We then went up to the tennis court where the surface was firm and stable, and he was able to see him move around again. We also talked about how people use wheels to get around sometimes, and how playgrounds should be made so everyone can play! Simple concept? You’d think so!

Our Owner, Chloe, is officially Adaptiv Home certified!

The Canadian Home Builders Association’s Adaptiv Home course focuses on the aging-in-place market with emphasis on improving design with safety, security, ease of use, comfort, accessibility, and occupant health.

Whether you are someone who wants to stay in your home forever, live with a progressive condition, or have recently experienced a life-changing event, we have accessible solutions that can help!

Thank you to the CHBA for developing this course and to the other students and instructors - it was a pleasure learning with and from you all!