Child's Play
Occupational Therapy Services
For Children
Monthly Topic-Fall 2001
"Devon's Place" -A Great Cause
Child's Play Clinic is proud to present you with the following information on what we feel is a great cause. This playground helps promote equality for those children with special needs. It also fosters a caring environment where all children can play, learn and grow! Child's Play is a proud to be a financial supporter of this program and it's efforts. Please take the time to read over their brochure and then look into your heart and decide if it is a cause you can help to support!
What is Devon's Place? Devon's Place will be a boundless Playground", accessible to all children regardless of their abilities or disabilities. It will provide creatively designed equipment that gives children unique opportunities to play with one another. So-called "ADA-approved" playground offer at best 25-30% accessibility. Devon's Place will offer at least 80% accessibility and exceptional safety.
Where will it be? Thanks to the City of Norwalk, CT, Devon's Place will be located on 18,000 square feet of space in Lockwood-Matthews Park. The site is ideal. It's convenient to transportation, part of the exciting new Heritage Park development, and best of all adjacent to the Stepping Stones children's Museum, a great place to play.
What will Devon's Place look like? Just like an ordinary playground, with appealing colors and a maritime theme. But some swings will have high backs and straps to support a paralyzed child; sand boxes will be at wheelchair height; paths will be wide and surfaces safe; ramps will replace steps' interactive equipment will encourage socialization; Braille signs and music will provide stimulation for children who are visually impaired.
Why do we need a "Boundless Playground"? There are more than 5000 special needs kids in Fairfield County and not one fully-accessible playground. "Boundless Playgrounds" are the result of one Brookfield woman's efforts; the first was built three years ago. There are now 20 in the United States; 4 are in Connecticut. Devon's Place will be the first in Fairfield County. Children with disabilities need to play with peers and to learn social skills: how to take turns, how to share and how to be accepted by others. Typically able children need to learn to identify others for what they can do, not for what they can't; in a "Boundless Playground", they learn courage and compassion, and they begin to appreciate the differences in all people. A "Boundless Playground" is a win-win situation.
Who will pay for Devon's Place? The City of Norwalk has graciously donated the land, landscaping and accessible bathroom facilities; they will also cover insurance and maintenances costs. The Devon's Place Committee will raise the $350,000 needed for design and construction from individuals, corporations and foundations.
Is there a gift recognition policy? All gifts are welcome and tax-deductible. Gifts of $100 or more will be permanently acknowledged on a wall at the playground site. There will also be opportunities to name a piece of equipment or an area of Devon's Place after a child or family.
How can I participate? Gifts of cash or securities can be sent to Devon's Place, c/o Susan Jacoby, at 47 Ridgeline Road, Easton CT 06612. A receipt for tax purposes will be promptly sent. For information about named gift opportunities or to receive a pledges card please call (203)261-6343 or (203)227-2220.
f you have questions/comments or would like more information regarding "Devon's Place" A Great Cause you can "Ask the Occupational Therapist" through our online response option by clicking below.
"Ask the Occupational Therapist"