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Description
This capstone project aimed to advocate for more inclusive and accessible playgrounds for children of all abilities in underserved communities in South Dallas. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model, the project evaluated playground accessibility and identified environmental barriers that limit participation for children with disabilities. Methods included a community needs assessment, playground observations using a standardized accessibility assessment tool, surveys, and stakeholder collaboration. Participants included community members, caregivers, organizational stakeholders, and children who utilize local playgrounds. Findings were synthesized to develop evidence-based recommendations and educational resources to support future playground improvements. The expected outcomes included increased awareness of inclusive playground design, recommendations for community and city stakeholders, and advocacy efforts to promote equitable access to meaningful play for all children.
Publication Date
Summer 2026
Publisher
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Keywords
Child, Censuses, City Planning, Communication Aids for Disabled, Disabled Children, Medically Underserved Area, Needs Assessment, Occupational Therapy, Stakeholder, Participation, Universal Design, Communication, Socioeconomic Factors, Wheelchairs, Poverty
Medical Subject Headings
Disabled Children Play and Playthings, Architectural Accessibility, Health Status Disparities, Healthcare Disparities Occupational Therapy, Child Development, Vulnerable Populations, Environment Design, Community Participation
Disciplines
Agricultural and Resource Economics | Civic and Community Engagement | Demography, Population, and Ecology | Environmental Design | Environmental Studies | Nonprofit Studies | Occupational Therapy | Place and Environment | Politics and Social Change | Population Health | Service Learning | Transportation and Mobility Management | Urban, Community and Regional Planning
Recommended Citation
Fellows, A., & Greer, M. J. (2026, July 1). Advocacy for Inclusive Play in South Dallas: Expanding Access for Children in Underserved Areas. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2026/12
Included in
Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Environmental Design Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Nonprofit Studies Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Population Health Commons, Service Learning Commons, Transportation and Mobility Management Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons
Comments
Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.