Introduction
On July 26, we celebrate Disability Independence Day, marking the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – a landmark law that transformed access, inclusion, and freedom for millions of Americans with disabilities1.
While the ADA has driven tremendous progress, true accessibility goes beyond compliance. Freedom means being able to participate fully in community life – to play, connect, and grow alongside peers.
Why Accessibility Still Matters Today
Many public spaces remain inaccessible due to outdated infrastructure, poor design, or lack of awareness.
Accessibility means:
- Designing with dignity in mind, ensuring people can navigate spaces independently
- Providing inclusive amenities so everyone can participate fully
- Recognizing that universal design benefits all, including families with strollers, older adults, and those with temporary injuries
At Bliss Products and Services, we believe inclusion begins at the planning stage. Accessibility should never be an afterthought – it is the foundation of an equitable community.
When Children of All Abilities Play Together
Designing playgrounds that welcome every child leads to powerful outcomes:
🌟 Friendships bloom naturally. Children learn to celebrate differences, building empathy, kindness, and lifelong acceptance of others.
💪 Physical, cognitive, and emotional development is supported. Inclusive play experiences challenge balance, coordination, problem-solving, and resilience – helping children grow stronger and more confident3.
🤝 Families of children with disabilities feel welcome and included. Parents no longer sit on the sidelines watching their children struggle to participate. Instead, they join a community where their child is valued and engaged, fostering a sense of belonging for the whole family.
🗣️ All children learn the power of inclusion. By playing side by side, children develop communication skills, teamwork, and an understanding that everyone has unique strengths to contribute.
What Inclusive Design Really Means
ADA compliance isn’t just adding a ramp or wide pathway. True inclusivity means:
✅ Designing play elements that children with mobility, sensory, cognitive, and communication differences can use confidently
✅ Creating safe surfacing that supports wheelchairs while preventing injuries from falls
✅ Including cozy quiet spaces for children needing sensory breaks
✅ Ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and included
Explore inclusive playground design here.
How Bliss Products and Services Supports Inclusion
We are proud to help cities, counties, schools, and organizations create spaces where everyone feels welcome. Here’s how we prioritize accessibility:
Inclusive Playgrounds
Our designs incorporate:
- Wheelchair-accessible ramps and transfer stations
- Ground-level play features for children of all abilities
- Sensory-rich panels and activities to engage diverse learners
Explore inclusive playground solutions.
Accessible Site Furnishings
We supply:
- ADA-compliant picnic tables with space for wheelchair users
- Benches with armrests for ease of transfer
- Accessible drinking fountains and hydration stations
Poured-in-Place Surfacing
Our surfacing provides:
- Smooth, stable, and slip-resistant surfaces for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers
- Durable, low-maintenance materials that meet or exceed ADA standards
Learn about playground surfacing.
Thoughtful Planning and Design
From consultation to installation, we work alongside planners and landscape architects to ensure every detail supports safety, comfort, and inclusion.
Featured Projects
✅ Apalachee Regional Park Dog Park (Leon County, FL)
Included accessible pathways, seating areas, and rinse stations to ensure all dog owners could enjoy the space with their pets.
Apalachee Regional Park Dog Park – ADA accessible pathways and drinking fountains by Bliss Products and Services
✅ Walker Rocks Park, Walker County, GA
Installed an expansive inclusive play structure featuring slides, climbing elements, and accessible ground-level components to create a playground welcoming to children of all abilities.
Walker Rocks Park, Walker County, GA Playground – Inclusive play structure installation by Bliss Products and Services
Featured ADA Products
✅ Connection Series Inclusive Tables
Where connection meets inclusion.
The Connection Series reimagines how we gather, with accessibility and inclusion at its core. Featuring multiple height options and ample space for mobility devices, these tables create welcoming environments where everyone can participate – whether working, dining, or collaborating.
Why it matters:
For years, traditional picnic tables have posed challenges – difficult access, limited use, and exclusion of those with different needs. Determined to make a change, designers partnered with university research teams to rethink table design from the ground up, focusing on inclusivity and versatility.
Key Features:
✔️ Designed for accessibility. Ample knee clearance and multiple height options ensure comfort for all users.
✔️ Mobility device friendly. Accommodates wheelchairs and other devices, ensuring everyone can engage fully.
✔️ Sustainable materials. Crafted with recycled steel for durability and environmental responsibility.
✔️ Versatile configurations. Available in a variety of colors and layouts to suit any setting.
✔️ Innovative design. Patent-pending features combine thoughtful inclusivity with modern style.
More than just picnic tables, these solutions create functional, inviting spaces where everyone feels welcomed and engaged – whether standing, sitting, or using a mobility device. They redefine accessibility, community, and how we come together outdoors.
Learn more about the Connection Series
ADA Tables and Minimum Requirements for Playground Design
Did you know?
The ADA requires that playgrounds with elevated play components also include a minimum number of accessible ground-level play components of different types. This ensures children who cannot use elevated structures still have meaningful play opportunities.
Yet, many planners remain unaware of these requirements, risking non-compliance and unintentional exclusion.
✅ Our ADA & Inclusive Playground Checklist includes the full compliance table, breaking down exactly how many ground-level play components are needed based on your playground’s design – all explained in clear, practical language to simplify your planning process.
Research and Wellness References
✅ Physical activity improves cognitive and academic performance.
Studies show that just 20 minutes of moderate activity daily improves attention, memory, and test performance in children.
Download to read: The Wellness Impact Report – School Nutrition Association
✅ Inclusive play supports whole child development.
Evidence-based playground designs promote physical, cognitive, sensory, social, and communication skills.
Read more: PlayCore Benefits of Inclusive Play
Looking Forward
As we celebrate 35 years since the ADA’s passage, we recognize the progress made – and the work that remains. True accessibility requires continued advocacy, innovation, and commitment to design that puts people first.
At Bliss Products and Services, we remain dedicated to helping our clients build inclusive spaces that empower communities and honor the rights of every individual.
📥 Ready to Make Your Playground Inclusive?
Download your free ADA & Inclusive Playground Checklist today to:
✔️ Learn the step-by-step essentials of accessible playground design
✔️ Understand minimum ADA requirements clearly
✔️ Begin creating a play space that truly welcomes every child and family in your community
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