Advocating for Inclusive Parks

In the locality of Bayamo (Granma, Cuba), graduate student Mileidis Mengana Cobas and Dr. C. Diurkis Yarenis Madrigal León are researching how to improve the current situation of local playgrounds from a inclusive perspective that caters to the needs of children with disabilities, contributing to local development.

The study’s results have been significant, partly thanks to the support of the academic collaboration project “Cultures of Participation for Equitable Development in Cuba and the United Kingdom,” coordinated by Dr. C. Rosi Smith. This project encouraged collaborative contributions based on the premise of “Nothing about us without us,” allowing project members to share their opinions on enhancing inclusion in these public recreational spaces. With funding from this project, the research findings were also presented at two international conferences: the Local Development Congress (University of Granma) and the UNISOC 2024 University Society Congress (University of Matanzas.

Additionally, efforts are underway to publish scientific articles in national and international journals, an important step to disseminate the results and potentially implement them in other locations.

Furthermore, local party and government representatives have responded positively to the transformation proposal. The initial study results are already evident through the Commission responsible for Agreement 9040, which has outlined actions to establish an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable playground at the Ernesto Che Guevara Special Education School. While a visible transformation in Bayamo’s playgrounds is anticipated, featuring new characteristics conducive to social integration and the development of physical, social, cognitive, and sensory skills, particularly crucial for children with disabilities.