Bid to make playgrounds inclusive
A campaign for a new inclusive playground has been launched in the Blue Mountains.
Macquarie MP, Susan Templeman, has joined local mother of four, Jane Renneberg-Bles, to launch an online petition to start the fight for the first fully inclusive playground in the Mountains.
“All children deserve to play – no matter what their abilities are. By not having inclusive public spaces, we have exclusive ones – and that is not what we are about here in the Mountains," Ms Templeman said.
“Jane is an incredible advocate for her four children who each have additional needs.”
“We know council and community groups are working to upgrade existing facilities, but this is about creating from scratch a purpose-built inclusive playground.”
Ms Renneberg-Bles said: “When you have children with additional needs, you’re very restricted with where you can go for outings.
"Many children need sensory integration to be more regulated within themselves and this in turn makes them calmer and more engaged.
“We need somewhere that families can fit in and be part of the community - a place we can all go."
Ms Templeman said children with disabilities deserve the same access to things that most people take for granted – access to play.
“I’m encouraging the community to sign my online petition at www.susantempleman.com.au/play. Jane and families like hers deserve an inclusive playground that doesn’t require an hour’s drive to get there."
Play for all: Susan Templeman and Jane Renneberg-Bles with her four children Eliza, Archer, Rocky and Oliver Bles and friend, Cove Delaney.