Join Northwest Playground for an engaging and informative workshop with Mara Kapan, a seasoned expert in inclusive playground design with over 30 years of experience. Mara will share invaluable insights gathered from hundreds of parents raising children with disabilities, focusing on key elements that make a playground truly inclusive.

In this interactive session, Mara will delve into the critical feedback she has received through numerous focus groups, highlighting the essential components that parents consider crucial: accessible parking, restrooms, safety features, clear orientation, and community engagement.

Through real-life scenarios, Mara will guide you through the experiences of three diverse playground users—a child in a wheelchair, a child with visual impairments, and a child with
autism—providing practical knowledge to help you design playgrounds that cater to the needs of all children.

This workshop is a must-attend for landscape architects and park professionals committed to creating inclusive and accessible play environments. 

At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the importance of site amenities in ensuring parents feel comfortable and confident visiting a playground.
2. Understand the challenges associated with transferring out of a wheelchair and how to address them in playground design.
3. Identify effective strategies to support the success and enjoyment of visually impaired children on the playground.

Mara Kaplan is a national expert and trailblazer in the realm
of creating inclusive spaces for people of all abilities and
ages to truly belong. As the lead consultant for PlayPower
on inclusion, Kaplan pioneers initiatives shaping the future
of playground equipment and play spaces nationwide. Join
her for a happy hour in Spokane, Washington.

Click here to RSVP