When weather permits, I feel there is no better place to play and learn than outdoors. It is an opportunity to breathe fresh air, get the daily dose of Vitamin D, enjoy the flora and fauna of the garden, study the clouds and sky, and just relax.
The challenge is to make your outdoor space safe for kids with learning disabilities, whether physically challenged or needing protection from wandering away, or other issues as discussed below.
Some of the outdoor challenges to consider
1. Foot protection. Some kids may not like the feel of grass under their feet, so I recommend they wear flip-flops with sling backs even in summer. Also, they are protected from sharp objects like small rocks and the stray bottle cap or other small debris. And, if there are pets in the family shoes protect from a step into their 'you know what'. In my garden I even have droppings to clean up from the large birds like geese that fly over, as we are just a couple of blocks from a nature preserve.
2. Surface under play equipment. There are lots of commercial rubber-like pads that can be placed under the swing set or jungle gym. My favorite choice is beach sand, though. It looks natural and is easy to groom with a rake and refresh as necessary. How about building a sturdy wood border out from the play equipment to contain the sand and sandcastle equipment. This could make part of your yard a real kids' area like the local playground, with the advantage it is right under your eyes, being in your own yard.
3. Pets' area. If you have rabbits or dogs who have their own house or cage it is important to teach the kids not to tease the animals and to respect their space. If your kids can help out, it is good for the kids' self esteem to participate in your animals' care. Bonding with animals, learning to care for animals is easier for some kids to practice who have communication issues with people. Later, the skills learned communicating and talking with pets can be carried over to human interaction.
4. Perimeter fencing and gates. Sturdy fencing is necessary if you really need to contain kids in an area. I like chain link fences because it can serve as a guide and support for vines and while offering safety it is see-through so does not limit the views beyond the yard. But every case is different and all kinds of fencing have pros and cons.
5. Water hazards. With ponds, make sure there is a grate with small spaced grids installed just below the water level to eliminate accidents. Jacuzzis should have tight covers that can be walked on and so should pools. Check with the regulations in your state to see if a pool needs its own gate enclosure.
In summary, take a look around your garden and yard to see where there may be problems, and reserve some time to make your yard a safe and fun place for all members of your family to enjoy!
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Article by Susan Kramer
