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Getting in the swing
Summer’s here and the time is right for heading to the park. Sunil Peck checks out a new bit of kit for kids for whom a trip to the local swings isn’t an option
The Liberty Swing is ideal, says its designer, for young disabled people who cannot sit safely on a conventional swing.
It accommodates wheelchairs, but has a seat that can be flipped down if needed, too.
I visited the playground at Waverley School in Enfield one lunchtime to see how much fun the students there have on the swing.
Hassan gave me a cheery wave, Sophie laughed throughout her ride, and Libby high fived her support teacher as she swung. Elena was unsure about the swing at first, but soon decided she liked it.
Louise Gibbs, the headteacher at Waverley School, says that the swing is popular and that students aged between 5 and 19 queue to use it at playtime.
“A lot of our students have very limited purposeful movement because of their physical disabilities. The swing gives them movement that they can experience without being held by somebody.”
At more than £12,000 to buy and fit, the Liberty Swing will be too expensive for most families. But it is already a playground favourite and it could be installed in parks for disabled people and their families to play on too.
INFORMATION
Geoff Daly, Liberty Swing (UK) Ltd, PO Box 3953, Windsor, Berks SL4 9AP
Tel: 07831 269946
email: daly@daly4.plus.com