The Santa Monica Disabilities Commission has announced details of its poster contest in celebration of Disabilities Awareness Month, which is open to all kindergarten through 12th grade students who live or attend school in Santa Monica.
The theme for this year’s contest is “Let’s Play!” in support of Santa Monica’s first universally accessible playground now under design, participants are invited to show what their ideal universally accessible playground would look like, who would play there and what would be in it.
The contest closes Oct. 21, 2011.
Universally accessible playgrounds are spaces where children of all abilities can play side by side, as well as parents with disabilities and seniors.
These types of playgrounds feature components that inspire activity, mobility and imagination. They also have sensory play elements to touch, feel and hear like sand, water and music. Santa Monica’s playground will be located by the beach at Ashland Avenue.
It is anticipated that construction will begin in late Summer 2012.
Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to promote awareness and appreciation of people with differing abilities. It is also an opportunity for education about the many barriers people encounter in our society, and a chance to promote resources to help overcome those barriers.
Children interested in entering the poster contest may find out more online at www.facebook.com/smbuap, or by contacting Stacy Rowe at 310.458.8701 or stacy.rowe@smgov.net.
Winning posters will be displayed at City Hall and at the new beachside playground during construction.
Follow The Mirror on Twitter: twitter.com/SMMirror
Follow The Mirror on Facebook: facebook.com/SMMirror
