ACCESSIBLE PARKS

Problem Summary:

There are not enough playgrounds that are truly inclusive for children with disabilities. Several 

tragic events in our community have brought this issue to the attention of the communities we 

serve. Even playgrounds that are considered “accessible” are often focused primarily on physical  accessibility and often do not consider children with intellectual or developmental disabilities where a lack of fencing, access to open water, or a location near busy streets may create unsafe spaces for children to play.

Proposed Solution:

The Multicultural Autism Action Network supports a bonding bill for public inclusive public parks that broadens the definition of accessibility to include safe places for ALL children to play.

RECESS FOR ALL

Problem:

As hard as it is to believe, there are schools in Minnesota that withhold access to recess as a 

form of punishment when a child is unable to meet behavior expectations. Advocacy organizations have also heard anecdotal reports of students receiving non-preferred food or delayed access to food as a punishment for undesirable behavior.

Although no formal data is available, informal surveys of parents of children with disabilities 

indicate that as many as 50% of those surveyed report their children have had recess withheld as a form of punishment. It is reasonable to assume that the students most affected are those affected by all forms of school discipline--namely students with disabilities, students of color, and especially those with intersecting identities.

Proposed Solution:

The Multicultural Autism Action Network proposes prohibiting the withholding or delay of recess or food as a punitive measure in Minnesota schools.

Board approved 12/9/2021