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JUGAR, LA MEJOR TERAPIA

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Our society is growing increasingly aware of the matters relating to integration, and the access to public spaces without barriers is a concern for all.

Universal spaces are the ones we should strive for. Places where access for any person is comfortable and where great diversity exists. Open your space for everyone, since interaction with one another enriches us. Children should learn from an early age to coexist with other children, no matter what movement difficulties they might have, to share games and to feel that we are all equal. At the As Salgueiras Foundation, we have experiences like this from which we have learnt.

INTRODUCTION

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Derived from our specialisation in creating concepts for play areas, Galopín Playgrounds has been working for years in the creation of integrating play areas.

To satisfy social demand for accessible parks, Galopin Playgroudns develops ideas for parks designed for all users. Our goal is to create areas where all children, even those with functional diversity, can play, interact and learn from one another.

Children are more direct, open and natural than older adults when experiencing life. By playing all together, prejudices and exclusions can be prevented.

When playing, children can reach or overcome both physical and psychological limits. Playing provides a challenge for the children, a process that makes it easier to overcome those limits. In addition to fun and happiness, playing provides the possibility of continuous exercise and enables the development of alternative abilities that can widen life; it is therefore a therapy. Our Foundation “As Salgueiras” has been conceived as an experimental basis for patterns and behaviours both individual and collective, in the physical and psychological aspects. We all have potential and limitations and we are diverse. At Galopin, we are very cautious when it comes to design games for a special group. Our philosophy is integration. Not only functional, but also cultural, generational and aesthetical.

CONCEIvINg INTEgRATIONAl

Ecuestrian at As Salgueiras Foundation

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We believe that we should not do anything specific for a certain group, but create a park that is integrating and accessible, even though it is clear that not everything can be totally accessible, and we all have limitations and must learn to overcome our frustrations, girls and boys with functional diversity must learn to accept reality in a natural way. Ultimately, education and maturity are all about that, they are a process of coming close to reality.

However, for us, the most important is for children to feel like they are in a kind environment where they can naturally interact following the criteria

FUNCTIONAl DIvERSITY

set up by psychologists and ethologists as free play and not directed. Ultimately, children must rehearse the relationships they will find as adults. In this sense, playing is the most powerful element for this experiment and it must be appropriate to be developed without intervention or mediation from adults.

See document:http://centrodocumentaciondown.com/uploads/documentos/1dcb1a899435d2b2806acdf5dbcf17aa941abd8d.pdf

Universal elements

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The debate about adapted games is a very important one. We must respect the sensibility of parents, educators and users. It is surprising to still find in many catalogues the concept of disability which is humiliating and dismissive; concepts such as functional diversity or adapted games are much more convenient.

We must dissuade our clients, political managers or children playground experts from abusing this concept, as it may turn against them. Functional diversity should not be used as propaganda for themselves, and if they do not wish for this concept to turn against them, they must make it their own and understand it. Show empathy and sensibility and not demagogy.

Many parents with children who have functional diversity say that children must adapt to the life they will find as adults, as in the end education is a process to bring children closer to reality and excessive protection can turn against the interests of the protected individual.

NOMENClATURE

What is good for all children (and we have seen that many times at the Foundation) is that contact between all types of children is positive. It is so for those who have limitations because they get out of their comfort area, or the overprotected surroundings provided by their families, to experience innovation, stimulation, and biophile contact with nature. But it is also positive for children without limitations because they learn to see functional diversity as normal, while at the same time they value the efforts from other children who even with more difficulties constantly overcome their disabilities.

We do not recommend creating specific areas in parks for children with functional diversity. We should have them in mind to integrate some games, but it should be clear that the goal is for them to become integrated, to coexist and to play with everyone else.

Several studies have shown that repetitive movement is attractive for symptoms such as autism, but this fondness for movement does not imply that it is therapeutic. There are children who display more pleasure than others, who even become calm or decrease their shouting and kicking, but we cannot conclude that this is a universally valid treatment.

Movement helps to attain the correct position of the hips. In cases with blind children, balancing is very pleasurable and fun. It is easy to understand that a child who moves without visual references, always worried about hitting him or herself, comes to move in a secured area and feels safe and protected.

CADENCED MOvEMENT

The Cadence movement helps correct positioning of the hip

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SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NORM

Adapted games are those that comply with the standard of reference DIN 33942 for “Barrier Free Accessible Playground Equipment” It is not honest or legal to use the identifying icon in a discretionary manner for no reason other than goodwill. The standard of reference holds many years of experience and the writing of experts with a wide and deep knowledge of the matter.

At Galopín we are very cautions when it comes to qualifying a game as accessible. It is not our decision, even though we work with this group as a daily basis in our Foundation. Not even a rehabilitation physician or well-intended person.

The DIN 33942 standard was legislated in Germany with a version in place since August 2002, but as of today, no other European country has made into a mandatory law; it is understood that this DIN standard will lead to some Europe-wide legislation on the matter of barrier free playgrounds and equipment.

We we speak of an accessible park, we are referring to a DIN standard, which is not even a European standard, but the only existing one, which is only published in Germany, has been the standard to agree on the terms that should be met by a playing element with these specifications located in a public space.

On the other hand, if we were to review the standard, we could see that in its introduction it already makes a reflection on functional diversity. Ultimately, every human being has their limitations and it is difficult to include each and every aspect into a single norm. (For example, a morbidly obese adolescent, a blind child, or movement limitations).

As we can see in one of the elements, all of the aspects are conceived on the basis of the needs of the user:

Elements with a minimum width allowing rotation of a wheelchair throughout their length.

Elements with a width that allows a wheelchair to rotate.

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A ramp with a maximum slope of 2,2º degrees, which causes the secret passage to make use of a very long ramp, with 3.23 metres, in order to rise just 18 centimetres. Such low slope has forced us to raise the slide by one step.

Baseboards are also used on the secret passage in order to prevent injury to the children’s hands.

The slide is wide in order to be able to access it in any position or with a partner. There are handles or hand holders and an entrance to recover the wheelchair.

The remainder of the element is full of activities for children – with or without limitations – to learn to interact without direct adult supervision conforming with the rules of “free or non-directed play” that have turned out such good results to enhance the integration and socialisation of children. According to the ethologist who also studied children, Francisco Braza, free play has something that we must not overlook, and that is that in the absence of adults, children can really rehearse the behaviours that will turn them into self-sustaining individuals who are more or less adapted to the society they live in.

Our society is growing increasingly aware of the matters relating to integration, and barrier free access to a public space is a concern for all.

Universal spaces are the ones we should be striving for. Places where access for everyone is convinient and where diversity can exist.

Due to the work within the field of the As Salgueiras Foundation, at Galopín we have learned a lot about coexistence with base organisations such as the Spanish Paediatric Society or the IOC for Paralimpics and the collaboration with parents, rehabilitation trainers, physical therapists and users have paved the way for our contribution in the field of functional diversity.

Wide slide allowing access from any position.

Ramp with a maximum slope of 2.2º degrees.

Universal spaces, convenient for everyone.

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From learning to see from the user’s point of view, to the use of appropriate terms (which sometimes is grossly offensive and disrespectful in some of the sales catalogues) or to be apprehensive of those who use the flag of functional diversity as a mere argument for propaganda.

From that position of commitment we now know that we cannot just place the wheelchair symbol without being aware of the needs of this group of people, just like we must not allow that simply out of good faith, professionalism or the basic ethical principles are disregarded.

The technical code for accessibility is of no use to certify public playground equipment. In order to see this, one must just look at the width of the ramps and platforms in our playground equipment to see that they allow a wheelchair to rotate around throughout its entire length.

The bars used to reinforce the help of the hands to go up a ramp, the sockets used to prevent the hands from being trapped against the struts as they

push the wheelchair, the tiny percentage of slope on the ramps that despite their great length barely raise the platforms, which forces the use of a small slide. The width of the sliding ramps which allow users with limited mobility on their upper or lower extremities to use them danger-free. The wide exit areas with an opening to recover the wheelchair, the wide variety of activities available to children on wheelchairs or small children, that enhance psycho-motor activities and facilitate integration and interaction among all types of children, fostering socialisation and preventing segregation. All these characteristics are the result of a study, of respecting the reference standards but, above all, they are the result of taking ownership of the concept because concern for functional diversity is part of our DNA, not the use or abuse of the term as a mere commercial argument or for demagogic purposes.

Universal elements for all to enjoy

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The exquisite care that we place on the design of adapted playground equipment was the reason for selecting it as the object of research in the first project about ecodesign for playgrounds in the world, published on Cleaner Production together with the Universities of Santiago and Barcelona and the Cluster of the Wood Industry.

We consider a game to be adapted if a certifying entity endorses it and does so because it strictly complies with a reference standard, in this case the only one that has been published - DIN 33942 – which is still not a European standard, and only available published in German.

But, why do we have to go so far in search of a standard? Because it is based on decades of experience and groups and professionals in the field that are concerned have taken part in its creation.

As a complement to the special care in these designs, we must mention that these designs have been taken as a model of Ecodesign in a project

ECODESIgN

between technology centres, the Universtity of Santiago de Compostela, the Cluster of the Wood Industry and the Department of Production and Engineering at Galopín that resulted in an Ecodesign Project that has been published in international production magazines for its aim in seeking functional efficiency and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

This design project, implement in our Design norms and embodied in the standard UNE 166002, which defines the management of R&D, has been recognised as the seed of a new worldwide innovative project by the Torres Quevedo Foundation, which has allowed us to in a Doctor specialising in Environmental Footprints whose goal is to incorporate indicators into the design stages in order to allow the engineer and designed to adjust CO2 emissions and water consumption while reducing the environmental footprint through the design process, before its final development, prototype building, final certification and production.

Meeting areas with mobile elements for role playing.

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Our research on clean production obtained the recognition of scientific magazine Cleaner Production. Our designers’ skills help to maximise the planning possibilities in our cities.

Elementos universales para que todos podamos disfrutar

Eco-innovation

This environmental concern coexists with the savings in expenses and the efficiency, while at the same time proving through an independent organisation that it complies with the requirements necessary for functional diversity. With these objectives, it is demonstrated that we comply with social, environmental and economic sustainability.

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gAlOPIN’S 7 PRINCIPlES OF UNIvERSAl DESIgN

The play elements comply with the necessary standards and are designed for children to feel comfortable and access the game easily. Playing is a good therapy for everyone,

laughter, movement and contact with other play mates and with nature is comforting and very beneficial to our health.

We should learn how to live in a society, children learn and rehearse their first social roles while playing.

Children should learn from an early age to coexist with other children,

regardless of their movement limitations, as well as to share games and feel like we are all equal. At the As Salgueiras Foundation we have

experienced this sort of thing and have learned from it.

We all have limitations but we also all have qualities as well. What is important is to

overcome our barriers and the feeling of not believing in ourselves. Play is one of the most natural ways to work on individual self esteem and get rid

of our fears to let our personality come out.

Being independent provides freedom to the individual, we are al necessary and have something to contribute. Children should learn to care for themselves in surroundings with other newly-met children outside of their familiar surroundings.

Society is increasingly aware of the matters relating to integration and barrier-free access to public spaces.

PLAYING IS HEALTHY

BE INDEPENDENT

WE ARE ALL EQUAL

INTEGRATED

LEARN TO OVERCOME

GROUP SOCIALISATION

FEELSAFE

The As Salgueiras Foundation is a place where we live the social experiences in a natural

surrounding to become aware of the real problems in public spaces.

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UNIvERSAl PRODUCTS

PASSAgES

F404A (Secret Passage)

This is a path in zigzag with a generous width for easy access and travel where the child finds several games (mobile, noughts and crosses, Shop, balcony and wide slide).

The outside area of the game can also be an area for playing and enables communication to both sides.

Basic colours and soft forms for visual stimulus.

Ages from 2 to 6 years.

F305A (The Adapted Truck)

This is a truck loaded with fruit and with a wide structure enabling easy access, where children can enter a fantasy world and operate the controls in the driver’s cabin.



F400A-A (The Adapted Train Engine)

This game features a wide path with easy access and resembles the train tracks. The children can access the control cabin and play with the handles.

Children interact with other children outside the element.



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F405A (The Passage-Truck)

This is a truck loaded with fruit and with a wide structure enabling easy access, where children can enter a fantasy world and operate the controls in the driver’s cabin. The passage in zigzag enables barrier-free playing, stimulating the child to socialise with the other children, both inside and outside the element.

Mobile accessories, the shop and balcony are the play elements. Basic colours and soft forms for visual stimulus.


F705Ai (The Boat-Passage)

This features a wide passage with easy access where the children enter a fantasy world enabling them to play with the mobile elements and the control handles.

Its easy access and low height allow children to play inside or out and interact with each other.



F805Ai (The Train-Passage)

Wide path with easy access where children can play freely.

It features a shot, mobile elements, a slide and a balcony. The train is a fantastic playing area to create adventures.



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lITTlE HOUSE

F309 (Multi-coloured Little House)

This is a little house that can be travelled on a wheelchair outside while the youngest children play inside. It is ideal for role-play.

It features a noughts and crosses game, a shot and an abacus.



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L601i (Mixed Accessible Swing)

This is a swing with a wood structure that combines very well with natural surroundings since it features neutral colours and finishes.

It features a flat swing and another specially adapted swing.


L10A-IN_i (Stainless Steel Mixed Swing)

This is a swing with a wood structure and a metal lintel with coloured finishes. It features a flat seat and an accessible swing.

Children have fun with the balancing movement and interact with each other.



L10i (Two-seat Mixed Swing)

This is a swing with a wood structure and metal and figure finishes with the shape of a heart. It features a flat seat as well as an adapted one.



SWINgS

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L12DMi (Double Fusion Cradle Swing

This is a swing with a wood structure and a metal lintel with elliptic sides. It can be paired with the Fusion Line. It features a cradle seat for the youngest ones and an accessible seat.



L10AZ-i (Double Mixed Galvanised Swing)

This is a swing with a wood structure and lacquered metal and figure finishes with the shape of an upside down triangle. It features a flat seat as well as an adapted one.



L12D-i (Double Fusion Swing)

This is a swing with a wood structure and metal and figure finishes with the shape of an eclipse. It can be paired with the Fusion Line. It features a flat seat as well as an adapted one.



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HEAlTH ElEMENTS

JSA029 (Thai Chi)

Light exercise element apt for use standing up or on a wheelchair.

Designed to create soft circular movement with the palm of the hands towards both sides while breathing.

Sophisticated colours and forms to blend in with urban surroundings.

Ages 12 years or more.

JSA030 (Handles)

Light exercise elements appropriate for its use on a wheelchair. It is recommended to match the exersice with soft breathing. The user will grab the handles and perform light body-rising exercises.



JSA029RVARIANTS:

VARIANTS: JSA030_RK JSA030R

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JSA032 (Dual bicycle)

Light exercise element appropriate for its use on a wheelchair by moving the upper cycle with the hands. It could also be used with another user moving the foot pedals in front of the other user.

Users can be placed front to front and chat while they perform this light exercise. It is always recommended to match the exercise with rhythmic breathing.



JSA031 (Hand Bicycle)

Light exercise elements appropriate for its use on a wheelchair.

It is recommended to match the exercise with rhythmic breathing. The user will grab the handles and turn the bar on its own axis.



JSA031RVARIANTS:

VARIANTS: JSA032_RK JSA032R

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ADAPTED PARkS ExAMPlES

TARRAgONA

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CAMbRE

Pol. O Acevedo, Parcela A – 15185 Cerceda, Spain | +0034 981688070 | www.galopin.es

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