The Equality Act 2010 is a UK law that unifies existing anti-discrimination laws into one Act. It simplifies the law by eliminating inconsistencies, making it more comprehensible and easier to comply with.
The Act also enhances the law in significant ways to help tackle discrimination and inequality.
The Act applies to various aspects of life, including work, education, services, premises, associations, and public functions. It safeguards individuals from discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
The Act defines 'disability' to include virtually all forms of disability or impairment, encompassing mobility, physical coordination, speech, manual dexterity, hearing, sight, continence, ability to lift, carry, and the inability to concentrate, learn, understand, or perceive the risk of danger.
The service provider, the individual or entity responsible for purchasing and maintaining the play area, has the duty to ensure that the play area complies with the Equality Act 2010.
The designer of the play area will ensure that the design of the play area aligns with the Act and provide assistance and guidance to ensure consideration has been given to the overall access of the area.
Design considerations under the Equality Act 2010 suggest that play equipment and spaces should be designed to be inclusive, not obviously intended for a distinct group. Items that can be used by a variety of different ages and abilities should be introduced, from simple sensory play panels, loudspeakers, seat springers to highly engineered transfer platforms on modular towers with subtle use of aid rails and sight impairment step lines.
The design of successful play areas and play equipment has been influenced by the introduction of the Equality Act 2010. However, the emphasis on inclusivity and non-segregation must remain a primary goal when designing successful play areas.
Everyone is unique, and a good design will strive to meet the needs of as many individuals as possible.
However, it's important to note that despite best efforts, 100% accessibility to each and every unique individual may not be achievable.