Post by Kcthepouchh8r on Apr 17, 2015 11:00:11 GMT -5
The second link is the exact swing i was referencing in my op, FYI.
I'd bet large amounts of money why these swings are so rare is parents just had to let their super special snowflake play on them, the kid loses their balance and cracked their head on the metal ramp that stands up. Said parent complained about the unsafe safety equipment because they're a lazy asshole who couldn't be bothered to teach their kid.
The second link is the exact swing i was referencing in my op, FYI.
I'd bet large amounts of money why these swings are so rare is parents just had to let their super special snowflake play on them, the kid loses their balance and cracked their head on the metal ramp that stands up. Said parent complained about the unsafe safety equipment because they're a lazy asshole who couldn't be bothered to teach their kid.
I've been to probably over 50 kids parks up and down the San Francisco Bay Area from napa to Carmel and have never seen the second type of wheel chair accessible swing. And the other type, yes I let my kid use it. Obviously if there is a person at the park who has physical limitations they get to, but that has never happened.
So, if people in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey & New York haven't seen this, at minimum, they obviously aren't that common. I can't imagine it's just because parents sued b/c they're kid got hurt on them.
So, if people in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey & New York haven't seen this, at minimum, they obviously aren't that common. I can't imagine it's just because parents sued b/c they're kid got hurt on them.
Post by thecheshirekat on Apr 17, 2015 11:44:58 GMT -5
I just spent a ridiculous amount of time googling to see if I could find even one park in the Los Angeles area that has one of those swings. I mean, we're the home base of Shane's Inspiration, there are over 30 universally accessible parks in the city and surrounding suburbs, and I can't find any mention or picture of a single swing like you pictured.
There are probably a few factors at work. They're probably very expensive. The insurance for one, if you can even get them to cover it, is probably prohibitively expensive as well. I can see it in an environment like a zoo, where there is a staff that can monitor it or restrict access, but to have that type of swing open and accessible to all in a playground environment is inviting trouble. What if a toddler ran in front of it while someone was using it? I know, I know, I'm probably a shitty parent for not being able to control every move all of my kids make on a playground, but that shit happens. Getting clocked with that thing could do some real damage.
I just spent a ridiculous amount of time googling to see if I could find even one park in the Los Angeles area that has one of those swings. I mean, we're the home base of Shane's Inspiration, there are over 30 universally accessible parks in the city and surrounding suburbs, and I can't find any mention or picture of a single swing like you pictured.
There are probably a few factors at work. They're probably very expensive. The insurance for one, if you can even get them to cover it, is probably prohibitively expensive as well. I can see it in an environment like a zoo, where there is a staff that can monitor it or restrict access, but to have that type of swing open and accessible to all in a playground environment is inviting trouble. What if a toddler ran in front of it while someone was using it? I know, I know, I'm probably a shitty parent for not being able to control every move all of my kids make on a playground, but that shit happens. Getting clocked with that thing could do some real damage.
Yep. Neither Shane's Inspiration and Reese's Retreat have them which leads me to believe there are probably none local to me
I've never seen the type of swing that holds a wheelchair. Not even at adaptive playgrounds. I'm not sure if I had seen it prior to this thread I would have realized what it was unless there was signage. I would probably have assumed it was a standing swing and would have let my kids use it.
The ones here have signs with instructions on them. They're like safety things -- make sure the wheelchair is facing this direction or whatever. They don't say they're for wheelchairs only but it is obvious that they're not just standing swings from the directions on the signs. I've seen them at 2 or 3 parks -- not everywhere by any stretch but they are around.
And yes, kids test boundaries and do shit they shouldn't -- that's why 6 year olds should't walk to a park a mile away without an adult. Kids do stupid shit and they need someone there to tell them no.
Post by rosesandpetals on Apr 17, 2015 12:02:11 GMT -5
I just googled and I found a bunch of parks with them here but they're all in pretty nice areas. That leads me to believe that it is a financial issue, at least partly.
Almost all of our local parks have the chair swings...one in ohio had the wheelchair swing. We don't let our kids play on either. And like roses said...that's partly why 6 year olds shouldn't be going to the park alone...parents need to make sure they are utilizing equipment properly.
I just spent a ridiculous amount of time googling to see if I could find even one park in the Los Angeles area that has one of those swings. I mean, we're the home base of Shane's Inspiration, there are over 30 universally accessible parks in the city and surrounding suburbs, and I can't find any mention or picture of a single swing like you pictured.
There are probably a few factors at work. They're probably very expensive. The insurance for one, if you can even get them to cover it, is probably prohibitively expensive as well. I can see it in an environment like a zoo, where there is a staff that can monitor it or restrict access, but to have that type of swing open and accessible to all in a playground environment is inviting trouble. What if a toddler ran in front of it while someone was using it? I know, I know, I'm probably a shitty parent for not being able to control every move all of my kids make on a playground, but that shit happens. Getting clocked with that thing could do some real damage.
I could imagine a kid kicking full force on a regular swing would have the potential to hurt a toddler more than one of those. Also someone pushing one could grab a chain to make it slow down. It's not like they're going very high/far. More a gentle rocking.
I certainly don't think they belong at every single park--Of course there is some risk/liability involved. They should be accessible to handicapped kids SOMEWHERE though especially at a park that is promoting itself as a place for kids with disabilities. I have a friend whose child will never progress cognitively past a toddler level, is wheelchair bound and doesn't possess the core strength to use one of those green swings linked earlier. He should be allowed access to a swing like that at a park that is disability friendly even if it means you have to watch your toddler a little closer.
Post by amynumbers on Apr 17, 2015 12:19:16 GMT -5
My guess is liability is an issue as it relates just to then intended use. How many municipalities would take on the risk of a swing like that in an unattended park that for safe use required that level of user participation? Run the risk that every single user is going to fasten it correctly or else a wheelchair goes flying?
My guess is liability is an issue as it relates just to then intended use. How many municipalities would take on the risk of a swing like that in an unattended park that for safe use required that level of user participation? Run the risk that every single user is going to fasten it correctly or else a wheelchair goes flying?
I was thinking the same thing. When used correctly I have no doubt that they are very safe, but it looks like they're ripe for misuse, which could lead to serious injury. I wonder if having one significantly increases liability insurance for that park and/or requires an attendant.
Also my kids go in the red ones. They aren't going to Break. If a child with different needs comes we could Move. But really sharing is a huge part of leaning about playing in a park for all Kids.
The risk is the parent loading and unloading. Those swings aren't built to go high. If they do they are unregulated to be honest.
I could imagine statistically a kid is at greater risk with a regular standard swing set though. They're fairly flush to the ground and not exactly quick moving so it's not like there's any sort of fast/high movement occurring that if it failed there'd be some significant injury.
Post by andrewsgal on Apr 17, 2015 13:07:46 GMT -5
Here is one at an accessible playground in SA. I think price obviously plays a part. Of course all playground equipment is expensive. But I think if you are deciding between a swing that one kid uses per day or a slide that 100 do obviously the slide wins.
Post by lyingliarlies on Apr 17, 2015 14:08:16 GMT -5
Out of curiosity i googled the Jenn Swing (the red one that most of us are familiar with & now seem ok with letting our kids use unless another child needs it) & they run $500-700. I've never seen the wheelchair one & our brand new "fully accessible" playground in town doesn't seem to have one from the pictures I saw online.
Clearly this & the wheelchair swing are both adaptable equipment, & I'd guess that the Jenn Swing is actually used more frequently by children who need it, so I really don't think it's so easy to say where to draw the line of who can/can't/shouldn't use it. I'd hate to see either one broken.
Then again I'm the shitty parent who won't let my asshole kid use the cart at Target with the bench & harness & I explain to him exactly why.
Out of curiosity i googled the Jenn Swing (the red one that most of us are familiar with & now seem ok with letting our kids use unless another child needs it) & they run $500-700. I've never seen the wheelchair one & our brand new "fully accessible" playground in town doesn't seem to have one from the pictures I saw online.
Clearly this & the wheelchair swing are both adaptable equipment, & I'd guess that the Jenn Swing is actually used more frequently by children who need it, so I really don't think it's so easy to say where to draw the line of who can/can't/shouldn't use it. I'd hate to see either one broken.
Then again I'm the shitty parent who won't let my asshole kid use the cart at Target with the bench & harness & I explain to him exactly why.
It seems party simple to me. One is to sit in and swing. So any kid sitting and using it is using it correctly. One is for a wheel chair to be attached and strapped down. No wheel chair means it's not being used correctly.
Here is one at an accessible playground in SA. I think price obviously plays a part. Of course all playground equipment is expensive. But I think if you are deciding between a swing that one kid uses per day or a slide that 100 do obviously the slide wins.
The way I see it is it depends on your target demographic. If it's something in say a school, money is an issue--try to get something that the most kids will use. When you're trying to appeal to the special needs community as a place where kids of varying abilities can participate you should cater to kids in the community with disabilities. I would rather there be one less slide or climbing apparatus so a kid in a wheelchair can enjoy a swing especially since most kids can have access to sludges easily.
Out of curiosity i googled the Jenn Swing (the red one that most of us are familiar with & now seem ok with letting our kids use unless another child needs it) & they run $500-700. I've never seen the wheelchair one & our brand new "fully accessible" playground in town doesn't seem to have one from the pictures I saw online.
Clearly this & the wheelchair swing are both adaptable equipment, & I'd guess that the Jenn Swing is actually used more frequently by children who need it, so I really don't think it's so easy to say where to draw the line of who can/can't/shouldn't use it. I'd hate to see either one broken.
Then again I'm the shitty parent who won't let my asshole kid use the cart at Target with the bench & harness & I explain to him exactly why.
Wait, why don't you let your kid use the cart at Target? (If it's the one I'm thinking)
I'm teaching my kids to understand and respect children with disabilities so yes, I feel confident saying never. My son actually corrects kids at the park who fuck around with those swings.
I'm bored, so I'm quitting this thread here, but I just want to say I hope we're all still around when KC has teenagers and she tells us all about how her kids don't drink, get high, skip school, do anything because they understand and respect xyz.
I'm teaching my kids to understand and respect children with disabilities so yes, I feel confident saying never. My son actually corrects kids at the park who fuck around with those swings.
I'm bored, so I'm quitting this thread here, but I just want to say I hope we're all still around when KC has teenagers and she tells us all about how her kids don't drink, get high, skip school, do anything because they understand and respect xyz.
Really the lack of logic here is astounding. Comparing normal teenage rebellion to respecting kids with disabilities is gross. I'm sure my kid will do dumb shit but I'm pretty confident they won't be beating up kids in wheelchairs. Teaching your kid to respect adaptive equipment isn't rocket science and if you think your child will have zero sense of morality the second you turn your back I feel bad you're setting your expectations so low of them.
I'm bored, so I'm quitting this thread here, but I just want to say I hope we're all still around when KC has teenagers and she tells us all about how her kids don't drink, get high, skip school, do anything because they understand and respect xyz.
Really the lack of logic here is astounding. Comparing normal teenage rebellion to respecting kids with disabilities is gross. I'm sure my kid will do dumb shit but I'm pretty confident they won't be beating up kids in wheelchairs. Teaching your kid to respect adaptive equipment isn't rocket science and if you think your child will have zero sense of morality the second you turn your back I feel bad you're setting your expectations so low of them.
Okay everyone needs to take a step back (this is coming from me I realize the hypocrisy) I guarantee you no one on this board is raising assholes. We are all doing the best we can. If someone's kid issues a wheel chair swing they aren't going to be terrible teens with no respect for people with disabilities. Also not letting your child use one doesn't mean you have your head in the sand about your kids when you aren't there.
Out of curiosity i googled the Jenn Swing (the red one that most of us are familiar with & now seem ok with letting our kids use unless another child needs it) & they run $500-700. I've never seen the wheelchair one & our brand new "fully accessible" playground in town doesn't seem to have one from the pictures I saw online.
Clearly this & the wheelchair swing are both adaptable equipment, & I'd guess that the Jenn Swing is actually used more frequently by children who need it, so I really don't think it's so easy to say where to draw the line of who can/can't/shouldn't use it. I'd hate to see either one broken.
Then again I'm the shitty parent who won't let my asshole kid use the cart at Target with the bench & harness & I explain to him exactly why.
Wait, why don't you let your kid use the cart at Target? (If it's the one I'm thinking)
It seems like it's intended for bigger children who need a seat &/or harness. Our grocery store has the same one. It's not the same as the huge cart for multiple children (which we don't use either bc we just don't need it.)