CCPD Submits Three Participatory Budget Proposals

Multi-Generational Tree House! 

[Note: location will be changed to “TBD”]
It is well known that outdoor play spaces play a vital role in child development, including in building social and emotional skills, coordination, and letting that imagination run wild. The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities proposes building a universally designed tree house that is accessible to people of all ability levels and ages, from babies in strollers, to a child who uses a walker, kids who love to run and explore, parents who use wheelchairs, and grandparents who would not otherwise be able to climb up into a tree house. This multi-generational tree house would be a central hub of play for Cambridge families. For more information on Universal Design (UD), see http://bit.ly/7UDprinciples. To see examples of UD tree houses, visit http://bit.ly/treehouseguysUD.
https://pbcambridgefy19.herokuapp.com/place/512531

Play for All Abilities (Inclusive Playground Equipment Proposal) 

This idea centers around increasing the level of inclusion in our open spaces throughout Cambridge. Specifically focusing on the playgrounds and how to align children with disabilities and without to not only play next to each other but together. Through our proposal we would be requesting equipment that can be added to additional playground areas/structures that exist throughout the city. Our goal is to create spaces where all children are interested in participating and reinforce an atmosphere of curiosity and openness.
https://pbcambridgefy19.herokuapp.com/place/511633

Video Game Center for Everyone!

The benefits of video game play have been shown to improve our hand-eye coordination, create opportunities for social engagement, & are now a part of the everyday lives of most Americans. But barriers to access prevent kids & adults with disabilities from enjoying & benefiting from this recreation. Our project would partner with AbleGamers, the largest charity for gamers & their allies to design & create local “Expansion Packs" in our Youth Centers & other settings. Expansion Packs, intended for facilities with multiple special needs individuals, include assistive technology, special controllers, & great video games! This would increase the usability of our Youth Centers, allow more peer socializing & improve tech skills for all. Even more importantly, it would increase fun! We believe that Cambridge should provide equal access to fun, so that regardless of abilities kids can have a place to meet & have fun gaming! More info at http://bit.ly/2u0dFdD & http://www.ablegamers.com. 
https://pbcambridgefy19.herokuapp.com/place/511750