Designing for Inclusion; Epilepsy and Ease of Supervision

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works.

Epilepsy usually starts in childhood, however it is also common in people over 60. Seizures can affect people in different ways, depending on which part of the brain is involved.

Possible symptoms include uncontrollable jerking and shaking (called a “fit”), losing awareness and staring blankly into space, becoming stiff, strange sensations – such as a “rising” feeling in the stomach, or collapsing.

Sometimes, someone with epilepsy might pass out and not remember what happened. For caregivers of children with epilepsy (as well as parents with epilepsy themselves), a clear line of sight for supervision is quite important.

The medication children take for epilepsy often affects their ability to sweat, therefore, shade and cooling devices become very important for these children.

To learn more about epilepsy, visit https://www.epilepsy.org.au/about-epilepsy/facts-and-statistics/

Line of Sight and Supervision

Kids can only play for as long as their parents / caregivers can supervise!

Ease of supervision is one of the most important parts which make up a truly inclusive playground. A parent / caregiver should be able to stand at almost all points on the playground orientation path and see their child. If there are many play zones within the playground, the line of sight should cross each play zone, allowing a caregiver to easily locate their child within the zone.

How to Improve Line of Sight, and ease of supervision

1. Maximize the use of equipment that one can see through and minimize the use of large equipment that blocks visibility. Line of sight is significantly improved if the space is broken into zones that can be supervised individually

2. Placing seating at multiple points around the area and at each entrance and exit. Some children will require more assistance in play areas than others, thus, it is important to provide some seating closer to the play area so that caregivers can relax while the children are able to play, but be immediately available when necessary.

3. Emphasise freestanding independent items over consolidated modular structures. These do not guarantee visibility but are usually less opaque than a modular structure.

4. Using scale, create spaces that allow children to feel like they are hidden and independent while still allowing for adequate observation.