All-inclusive

We went to an "all-inclusive" playground in our area. It is a wonderful playground with climbing structures, slides, swings, pieces that make music, a stage, spinning flower chairs, and so much more. It is obvious that much careful planning, effort, and money went into the design and construction of the playground.

There were a few incidents that reminded me that "all inclusive" is a tall order to fill.


Example 1:
Moosie loves to swing. He often requests to "eee AYE!" [swing high]. I was eyeing the "baby swings" curiously when another mom said, "They made them that high so that it won't be dangerous for little ones just in case they wander near the swings." After I shrugged she said, "It makes sense if you think about it."

Well I was thinking about it. In order to put my child in the swing, I had to hoist him way above my shoulders (I am just under 5 foot tall) and navigate his excited dancing legs into little leg holes (without getting kicked in the face). Not that this was a big deal really, but I imagine it would be difficult for a parent who uses a wheelchair to get their little one in the swing.

Example 2:
Most of the playground is enclosed by a fence. I was very excited by this because I have a wanderer and another one that idolizes and follows the wanderer wherever he may go. I also have friends who have runners.

I was disappointed that two of the playground structures exited outside of the fence perimeter. One cannot get to these exits unless one climbs through various mazes, ramps, and slides. I took a look and realized that a wheelchair ramp connected to this area to allow access to the higher areas of the structures for those wanting to get INTO the playground. I also noticed that, from my point of view, it allowed access to a drop off, creek, and pond (complete with an attractive fountain) to anyone wanting OUT of the playground. It was also impossible for a parent chasing a fleeing child to get to in a safe, quick manner.

A friend of mine made a comment to another parent about the openings. The parent looked uncomfortable and said, "That's the point of the whole playground." That mother just happened to be there with a beautiful chubby-cheeked boy using a walker/roller to get around. My friend mentioned that we had 'runners' and so we were nervous as we were constantly locating our boys to make sure they didn't flee, but the mother had already tuned out.

Situations like these challenge my views about "disability" everyday, whether it be inclusion, functioning, acceptance, or even what constitutes a disability. It really is defined within any given situation by the eye of the beholder. More for me to stew on, I guess.

Happy Early Mother's Day

It has been a big week in our household. Moosie has Strep, but that didn't stop him from making me smile.

Moosie has been becoming more vocal in the past month. Much more jabbering and a few new words including "book," "da da," and "up." His sign repertoire has passed up mine, so I am struggling to keep up. He's gesturing so much now and coming up with signs (like the sign for 'potato') that no one has seemed to teach him.

But best of all, as I'm sure you guessed from the title, is that Moosie can now say "mom." It wasn't something I was waiting or longing for, but now that it's happened, I think it's one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard.



(Video from cellphone.)

Who is Steve?

Bubba loves stuffed animals. He goes through his cycles where he plays "family" with his animals, gathering all of them up into his bed or on the couch. Big animals become the mommies and daddies, little ones become the babies.

Bubba is in such a phase right now and recently acquired a new beanie puppy tagged "Rowdy" thanks to the kindness (and idolization) of his brother Moose. This new puppy has been lovingly renamed.

"Mom, how 'bout his name is Steve Rowdy?" he beamed.

Every puppy he owns has the name it was given by the manufacturer prefaced by "Steve." So we have "Steve Sarge" the German Shepherd, "Steve Sneakers" the cute cream-colored dog with the brown ears, and "Steve Fudge" who, well, looks like fudge. There are more, but my memory can only handle a few puppies at a time.

I don't know who Steve is, but he made an impression on Bubba. Or at least his name did.