Our organization is focused and determined to build a playground environment that is the best, most productive space that it can be for children and families of all abilities. However, we are not experts. We need to understand the questions first, and then develop and operationalize the answers in a collaborative process.

To develop a better understanding and get the best input we can, Sussex Can-Do has engaged important “stakeholders” in the community for the purpose of defining priorities. We have met with parents and teachers of children with special needs at the Howard T. Ennis School, and have reached out to Sussex Consortium, our county’s major school district programs that serve and support this population, and leaders and clients of Autism Delaware, The Down Syndrome Association, Kent-Sussex Industries, and other professionals to learn about the components and features that should be included to maximize the experiences of the kids and their families.

The second group will be the kids themselves. Who better to ask?  We have met with children of various abilities will share their opinions on what they would like to have in their unique playground. Art supplies were available for those who wanted to provide a visual representation. The children’s comments were collected, along with their designs and comments, including any information we received from children that needed help expressing their ideas. 

To date, we have aggregated comments in the document attached below and we have used that document as a basis for further exploration and development of understanding how we can include every item and feature of importance.