Accessible playground coming to Des Plaines school

A $68,735 grant from Rivers Casino will transform Cumberland Elementary School's playground to a "Play for All" play environment. The new playground at the Des Plaines school will serve the physical, social, visual, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs of children of all abilities at Cumberland School.

The updated playground will give students access to equipment where they can actively play together. The old equipment does not have equipment that is safely accessible to Cumberland students with special needs, even though they make up nine out of 20 classes at the school. As a result, many students are left unable to engage and interact with their peers or the equipment during daily recess. Areas of Poured in Place Playground Surface will make it possible for students to access the new equipment. This surface will replace the wood chips that make it difficult for students with balance issues and unstable walking gaits to play.

We will create a program called, "Play For All" that provides integrated opportunities for general education and special education students to buddy up while appropriately and safely interacting on their newly expanded playground. During our monthly building meetings, staff will collaborate and make plans to meaningfully include all students in daily recess activities.

Once the playground is finished a "Play For All" opening day celebration is planned. During this event Cumberland will invite students, parents, staff and the Des Plaines community to join and "Play for All."

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.