Childs play. The very phrase implies an image of innocence, safety,
and joyful recreation — and for most children that is just the case. But
childs play for developmentally challenged children is so much more
its an analytical exercise and teaching opportunity between child and
recreational specialist.
A new high-tech safety floor in the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s primary
indoor play area is a major enhancement for developmental programs for
MMI and the many children it serves. The day of the concrete play surface
and skinned knee as a rite of passage is over for developmentally disabled
children.
This is the only therapeutic playground in Omaha dedicated to mentally
retarded developmentally disabled children, said Michael Crawford, Ph.D,
director of recreational therapy. With the old concrete floor, there were
a lot of teaching techniques and services we couldnt offer our kids because
of safety issues.
Munroe-Meyer hosts a Head Start program satellite with more than 60
children. In addition, the recreation therapy department serves developmentally
disabled children and teens through numerous programs including after school
recreation services as well as evening and weekend respite care opportunities.
Now both programs share the newly renovated 1,350 sq. ft. indoor playground.
The recreational therapy staff includes a director, three full time
therapists and more than 30 part time technicians and aides. Last year,
children from more than 400 families in the greater Omaha area received
services through the RT department. Program offerings were further enhanced
by more than 300 volunteers from area high schools and universities who
came to MMI to do complete community service hours.
The floor looks like a finely graded, plush, black AstroTurf, although
it is stain-free on clothing. There is a 1/2-inch layer that is firm to
the touch covering the area where children play games requiring a flat,
unencumbered surface for rolling and running.
Where there are slides, swings and equipment designed for climbing and
jumping a 1 1/2-inch thick rubber bushing traps air under the surface to
create a healthy cushion effect. Finally, on top, a 1/2-inch layer of rubber
pellets is laid down, the mixture of pellets, polyurethane and water is
smoothed out similar to how wet concrete is worked. The final product
is smooth and soft to the touch when dry.
Our new floor greatly reduces, if not totally eliminates any serious
penalty for movement error, Crawford said. A fall can always produce
a bump or a bruise, but the impact attenuation characteristics of this
new surface will protect us against falls which could result in broken
bones, concussions or spinal cord injuries with this kind of flooring.
In addition, our floor now meets the very latest federal standards for
indoor play facilities determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Multiple service organizations including the Omaha Community Foundation,
Munroe-Meyer Guild and the Munroe-Meyer Operating Board combined to raise
the $15,000 for the new floor and play equipment. Of that, $9,000 was spent
on the safety surface, while the rest of the funds purchased new swings,
climbers, mats and tumbling equipment, and a whole wall of plastic and
foam geometric blocks sufficient to build life-size structures. The new
swings allow wheelchair users to be transferred directly to molded seats
so they can swing and play besides able-bodied peers.
Swings help children develop trunk and head control and they also help
develop balance through stimulation of the vestibular system in the
inner ear, Dr. Crawford said. Developmentally disabled children often
have significant social and play delays. Developmental play programs
can help develop and normalize these skill sets over time.
The environment created by this playground offers therapy opportunities
for the aggressive child, children with impulse control difficulties, and
many other different needs. We now can greatly expand our service delivery
and offer a diversity of programming for children involved with MMI programs.