IFC Inclusive Play Workgroup – October Update

INCLUSIVE PLAY WORKGROUP LAUNCHED

With Amy Jaffe Barzach, Founder and Director Emeritus of Boundless Playgrounds, appointed by IFC as the chairman of the Inclusive Play Workgroup, a call for members, advisors and/or advocates of inclusive play was announced in August 2008. The workgroup will strive to increase awareness of the issues related to inclusive play environments and will champion programs that demonstrate excellence in these areas. Interested parties were asked to submit the following information to jmadri1@uic.edu by August 20, 2008: Name, affiliation, contact info including address, telephone numbers, email; why they were interested in serving; and experience related to accessible and inclusive play environments. In addition, Amy can be contacted at barzacha@yahoo.com

INCLUSIVE PLAY AWARENESS EVENTS

Based on interest expressed, as the workgroup gets established, playground sites that have inclusive playgrounds and want to host ‘inclusive play awareness events’ are invited to contact Jessica Madrigal at IFC at jmadri1@uic.edu. Over time, as the workgroup defines its priorities and weaves a shared vision, it is anticipated that more formal awareness days/events will be planned in 2009.

WORKGROUP’S EXPLORATORY CONFERENCE CALLS

Exploratory conference calls were held on August 21^st and September 4^th at 12 noon ET. Collectively, 12 people signed up to participate in the calls and an additional 5 people expressed further interest. As an organization dedicated to inclusive play, this workgroup is committed to inclusive practices and welcomes additional participants to sign up by contacting jmadri1@uic.edu before the end of the year.

Summary of Call Minutes:

August and September 2008 Combined Conference Call Minutes Summary

FUTURE CALLS

Two additional exploratory conference calls will be held with plans for the workgroup to develop a multi-year strategy/initiative by early 2009. Future calls will take place at 12pm (Noon) EDT on November 19th, 2008 and December 4th, 2008.

Click here to download the agenda for the November call

Click here to download the agenda for the December 4th call

Call-in number: (888)285-4585

Call-in code: 984156