Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MUM’S CALL FOR PLAY PARK DISABLED ACCESS
Woman’s heartbreak as new facility caters only for abled-bodied children
A MUM has told how it takes more than an hour to take her daughter to their nearest disability-friendly play park.
Claire Mcgill spoke out after a new facility opened but without anything 12-year-old Sianon, who suffers from Lennox-gastaut Syndrome and global developmental delay, can make use of.
Now the Derry woman and a community group launched a campaign to make sure all kids of all abilities enjoy the right to play.
Mrs Mcgill told the Mirror: “My heart sank when I took her to the park in Strathfoyle.
“When it was in its consultation phase, they asked if I had any disabled children and I said I did.
“I assumed they would install disabled-friendly facilities. I took her down to the opening and I felt so embarrassed
“You could feel people were thinking there was nothing for her to have fun on.
I was devastated so I took her home. Enagh Youth Forum got in contact and asked if I wanted to be part of its ‘Nothing Without Us’ campaign.
“Getting Sianon in and out the car, including the drive, it takes over an hour.
“And then when we get to Brooke Park there are no changing facilities.
“It is not only those with a disability who have nothing to play with. There are no public facilities that have sensory toys or quiet spaces for autistic children.
“It makes kids feel left out, they are being discriminated against. The main part of social inclusion is playing with their friends or being involved in fun activities and as a mother to watch your child being left out is heartbreaking.”
Michaela Doherty, who chairs Enagh Youth Forum, said: “Our campaign is asking Derry City and Strabane District Council to make it a policy that no more children’s parks will be built without proper inclusion including disabilityfriendly equipment.
“Every child has the right to play. Last week the young people and local parent Claire Mcgill presented their video to the local council.
The feedback from the elected councillors was positive and many of them stated their support.”
SDLP councillor Brian Tierney, who chairs the Environment and Regeneration Committee, said: “They have stood up and spoken for children.
“I will do all I can to ensure that council includes disability-friendly play equipment in play parks.”