Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Beta NYC recently joined forces to launch a new online map that will make it easier for parents to find playgrounds that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The map features a green dot that marks a city park or playground with accessible features.
"It's great to be a part of something that can meaningfully impact the lives of families, particularly families with disabilities," Dinowitz says. "Before we released it, such a map didn't exist."
All users have to do is click the icon and it will tell them which features the park has, whether it be ADA bathrooms, ramps or inclusive play elements.
"It's visually organized for people with visual disabilities and we made sure it would have the features that a family with disabilities would need," Dinowitz says.
For fathers like Saul Pychardo, having access to a map that shows what each playground offers is a helpful tool. He says his daughter has autism, so they often look for parks with sensory stations.
"It's nice, everybody's quiet, the kids just play together. I think they are doing a really good job," he says.
While Dinowitz says it is a great step towards inclusivity, he says more should be done.
"As new playgrounds are built, there are certainly accessibility features, but we have to make sure the playgrounds that are already in existence have features that welcome in all families and all children," he adds.
To take a look at the map, follow this
link.