Parents’ perspectives on inclusive playgrounds for their children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Background Despite play’s benefits for children with disabilities and its recognition as a fundamental right, children with disabilities lack access to public playgrounds in Saudi Arabia; thus, they are unable to take full advantage of play. To overcome this problem, inclusive playgrounds that go beyond accessibility and provide opportunities for social interaction have been suggested. However, knowledge is lacking about whether inclusive playgrounds provide children with disabilities with play opportunities, social inclusion, and skills development. Therefore, this project was conducted with the aim of exploring the perspectives of parents regarding the experiences of their children with disabilities attending inclusive playgrounds.

Method A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect data from six participants (mothers of children with various disabilities), using online semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results Participants reported previously known facilitators for children with disabilities’ attendance of inclusive playgrounds: design and safety. These facilitators were able to overcome play deprivation and discrimination. Several participants reported that negative social attitudes and a lack of awareness of disabilities hindered children with disabilities’ participation in inclusive playgrounds. The newly reported barriers from the study indicated that crowding in inclusive playgrounds limited play opportunities. Additionally, the distant location of the inclusive playground negatively affected regular visits to the playground and the experience of outdoor play’s benefits.

Conclusion Developing inclusive playgrounds within a walkable distance in Saudi Arabia was seen as required by the participants for facilitating regular visits, enhancing social awareness of disabilities and peer acceptance, and overcoming crowding. In addition, changing the mindsets of parents of typically developing children is essential for achieving the aim of inclusive playgrounds. Further research is recommended to investigate the perspectives of children with disabilities, government officials, policymakers and healthcare professionals regarding inclusive playgrounds in the context of Saudi Arabia.