Category: Community Content and Services

The Inclusive Indoor Playroom

Alongside the natural challenges that exist in families with children with disabilities, there is often also a social expectation for these children and their parents to fit in and conform to what is perceived as the “norm.” The Inclusive playroom provides an essential opportunity for these children to be seen beyond labels, giving them a safe, open space to simply be themselves. For parents, it offers a moment to breathe - a space where they can let go, free from explanations or justifications, and simply enjoy time with their special child.

In Tel Aviv–Jaffa, there are over 30 indoor playrooms for early childhood located in community centers throughout the city and open to the general public. Despite the wide variety offered, parents of children with disabilities approached the municipality requesting a dedicated play space and dedicated playtime for their children. Our goal was to create an authentic, spontaneous play environment - free from judgment, without the need or expectation to fit in, hide, restrict, or behave according to typical norms. We believe that such a space can encourage a sense of belonging and allow children to freely enjoy afternoon playtime, including those who are unable to play alongside their peers and who can benefit greatly from responsive, supportive, and professional guidance.

In collaboration with the Integration and Inclusion Department of the Community, Culture, and Sports Administration, we chose to launch a pilot program within an indoor playroom in a community center in the northern part of the city, where parents had expressed a need, to establish an “inclusive play space” as part of Salta’s activity offerings. Once a week, a designated playtime was held in the play space, offering an intimate, calm, and guided environment exclusively for children with disabilities, at a subsidized cost. The playtime was led by a certified developmental consultant, who created a safe, supportive play space for the children and engaged in inclusive, professional dialogue with the parents. Following the pilot year, we conducted an evaluation process, and based on the results, this playtime was transitioned from Salta’s workshop series into a permanent feature at the community center, through direct collaboration between the center’s staff and the municipal Integration and Inclusion Department. The inclusive play space continues to operate successfully to this day, and in light of the pilot’s success, the program is now expanding to additional centers throughout the city.

Partnering municipal units:
The Integration and Inclusion Department at the Community, Culture, and Sports Administration, community centers.

Number of Participants

Up to 10 children per group

Duration of the Activity

A set weekly hour in the afternoon

Location

Municipal indoor playrooms in community centers

Cost Components

Professional developmental consultant

Suitable for Ages

Children with disabilities aged 3-6 and their parents

Impact

Creating a shared play space and playtime (child-child, parent-child) that is fun and free, without the goal of functional advancement (unlike a therapeutic session).
Exposure to a variety of fun games tailored to age and developmental characteristics.
Building self-confidence and strengthening the parent-child bond through professional guidance in the play space.
A dedicated space for parents to rest, share, and consult with the professional consultant and each other: a safe environment for open expression, wellbeing, and relaxation, offering immediate support for the children as well as valuable knowledge and tools for the parents.
Building a community of parents and children with disabilities through connection with peers, regular shared playtime, and a judgment-free environment.
Raising community awareness and fostering an inclusive approach at the community center - the inclusive play space quickly became integrated into the center’s routine and became an integral part of various activities such as adapted storytime sessions and the inclusion of tailored content for children with disabilities at key events.

What we learned along the way

Targeted outreach to parents through direct contact with key community figures, as these families are often busy with various activities and treatments for their children. We reached them primarily through accessibility and inclusion coordinators within municipal departments.
Consistent, professional guidance during the playtime helped maintain the quality of the space, keeping it safe and enjoyable for everyone. The professional consultant built close relationships with both parents and children, and, based on her understanding of their needs, she occasionally brings in her own games to further enrich the experience. She also serves as a supportive listener for parents, offering professional insights (not therapy) to help address feelings and challenges that may arise in the play space.
A subsidized price for the activity and flexible attendance options allowed a variety of families to access the service and participate, without needing to commit in cases of unexpected challenges with their children.
Most participants reported that the duration of the activity suited their children’s needs.