A Magical Garden for a Magical Foundation

The magical garden is an inclusive playground which provides a platform for children of all abilities to experience meaningful play. Play is the primary occupation of each child and an inclusive playground will facilitate this essential occupation. An inclusive playground focuses on the whole child and provides opportunities for cognitive, physical, communicative, sensory and social/emotional development.  As a community we need to embrace and grasp the value that meaningful play has for people of all ages and abilities. Children with disabilities deserve a safe and beautiful playground where they can develop skills and play without the usual environmental limitations. The ideas and equipment for the inclusive playground have been carefully and thoughtfully put together by the Centre’s Occupational Therapist, who specialises in childhood development not only in skills and play but in each child as a little person.

A garden where no matter the physical or cognitive limitations, children can experience different sounds and sights and sensations. A garden, where children who use wheelchairs and buggies to get around, can interact with others who are able to use their feet. A garden where no matter how fast or slow, how big or small, wealthy or poor, children can learn and laugh and play together. A garden where children can just BE…a garden like this must surely be a magical one.

This magical garden would be the first of its kind in South Africa, as far as we know, and we would love for it to be a model for other centres around the country, so that we can all embrace the value that play has on each child, with our without disability.

For more information on how you can get involved to help us make this garden as beautiful as possible through help with funding please contact Tony Lubner by clicking here.