Swing Seats Provide Access to Improved Development for Special Needs Children
Parents, educators and psychologists across the board agree on how important play is in EVERY child's development. Self-beliefs and attitudes about overcoming obstacles develop pretty early in a child's life, and play is an important activity for realizing a healthy sense of belonging and for fostering feelings of accomplishment. “Handicapped Accessible”, as it applies to the American Disabilities Act guidelines for playground equipment in public applications, means a whole lot more than simply being able to watch others play. It means that a good playground should provide ALL children with open access and opportunities for play.
Specially designed swing seats are a great addition to any public playground, as well as for home use. They provide a safe and comfortable option for special needs kids to enjoy access to this favorite childhood pastime. Movement-limiting disabilities don't seem like such a handicap when one is able to fly through the air on a swing! Children can more directly engage with their peer groups, participating in an activity that is both fun and educational, helping the child to enhance physical, mental, emotional and social skills through the act of play.
Which Swing Seat is Best for My Special Needs Child?
Swing seats are available in an assortment of styles, sizes and configurations to help fulfill the special needs of individual users. Here are some highlights to help you determine the type of swing seat that will best suit your own child's unique requirements:
For very young children, the Toddler Swing Seat features a high-backed seat with an adjustable harness for a totally secure, fun and comfortable introduction to swinging.
For children who require a pommel, the Skillbuilders Swing Seats offer this helpful positioning option that aids in leg abduction.
For children with limited sitting up abilities, the Small Swing Chair features sturdy, but comfortable back support, along with adjustable ropes for reclining the seat.
For children requiring enhanced visual stimulation, the Flaghouse Flying Colors Swing Set offers a cool, green visual effect, along with a high back that secures the user from neck to torso.
For children who require full body support, the TFH Full Support High Backed Swing Seats incorporate a pommel, adjustable safety harness and convenient hardware to adjust the seat for various angles and heights, providing a completed supported swing ride. The Full Body Swing Seat from FEI is also a great choice for full body support, with a fully adjustable safety harness that secures the shoulders and waist, and a contoured design that brings comfortable head, body and leg support to every special user.
For all ages of children, from babies just learning to sit up to older children weighing up to 125 pounds, the JennSwing meets the unique and varied needs of every potential swinger with ease. Its patented, lightweight plastic construction is the perfect choice for public playgrounds desiring to meet the ADA guidelines for playground equipment in public recreational environments.
Carol Koenigsknecht,
Medical Consumer Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO