Every child deserves to play. KoalaPlay designs and manufactures ADA-compliant, sensory-inclusive indoor playground equipment for children with autism, physical disabilities, ADHD, sensory processing disorders and other special needs — engineered from the ground up for therapeutic environments.
Structured physical play is not a luxury for children with special needs — it is a proven component of therapeutic development. An intentionally designed inclusive play environment supports motor, sensory and social development in ways that a standard playground cannot.
Crawl tunnels, balance beams and graduated climbing surfaces build gross and fine motor skills at each child’s pace.
Multi-sensory environments — tactile panels, proprioceptive swings, visual elements — help children regulate sensory input and reduce anxiety.
Side-by-side play in an inclusive environment builds peer interaction, communication skills and social confidence.
Structured play within a well-designed environment complements OT, PT and speech therapy goals — making therapy feel like fun.
Every KoalaPlay inclusive playground is designed to meet ADA Standards for Accessible Design — including minimum 60-inch turning radius, accessible entry without steps, and reach range compliance. Our full compliance documentation supports applications for Title III grants, disability services funding, and educational facility grants available to qualifying organisations. We provide the paperwork your grant writer needs.
Different diagnoses require different design priorities. Here is our evidence-informed equipment recommendation guide for the five most common special needs profiles served in inclusive play environments — based on research and therapist input.
KoalaPlay’s design team works with your occupational therapist, physical therapist or BCBA to customise equipment selection and layout for your specific client population. Share your therapeutic goals during the free 3D design consultation — we’ll design around them.
KoalaPlay manufactures a comprehensive range of inclusive play equipment — designed to be accessible and engaging for children with and without special needs, side by side in the same environment.
Multi-level play structures with integrated ramped access — no separate accessible path, no segregated experience. Children in wheelchairs access the same play elements as walking peers. Compliant with ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
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Floor-to-ceiling sensory panels combining tactile textures, visual stimulators, auditory elements and mirror surfaces. Supports sensory processing therapy goals while providing engaging, structured stimulation at all reach heights.
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Padded, enclosed soft play pods provide a low-stimulation retreat for children who need to self-regulate. Designed for ASD and SPD — reduces visual clutter, sound and activity to support calming without removing the child from the play environment.
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Platform swings, deep pressure crawl tunnels, balance beams and stepping stone sequences — all designed to support vestibular (balance/movement) and proprioceptive (body awareness) sensory systems targeted in OT and PT programmes.
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Kitchen, shop and community role play structures built at accessible counter heights and with simplified interactions — designed to facilitate peer play between children with and without special needs. Supports language, social and cognitive development goals.
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Low-entry ball pits and padded soft play zones with accessible entry and full-perimeter support bars — enabling children of all ability levels to participate in unstructured sensory-rich play together, with easy caregiver access.
Request a Quote →Understanding the concrete differences between a standard playground and a truly inclusive design helps procurement teams, therapists and administrators make informed decisions — and helps justify the investment to boards and funding bodies.
| Feature / Requirement | KoalaPlay Inclusive Design | Standard Playground |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessibility (ramps, no steps) | Full ramp access throughout | Typically ladder-only access |
| Doorway / entry width | 44″+ all entry points | Typically 20–24″ only |
| Reach range compliance (ADA) | 15″–48″ reach range on all panels | Not typically designed for reach range |
| Sensory-specific equipment | Multi-sensory walls, calm pods, tactile panels | None — sensory needs not addressed |
| Quiet / low-stimulation retreat zones | Enclosed calm-down pods integrated | Not included |
| Design basis | Universal Design + therapeutic principles | Standard play safety only |
| ADA compliance documentation | Full ADA report provided | Not provided |
| Therapeutic value (OT/PT goals) | Equipment selected for therapeutic goals | General physical activity only |
| Grant eligibility (disability / education) | Documentation provided for applications | Typically ineligible |
| Mixed-ability child participation | All children — same equipment, same experience | Limited for wheelchair / mobility-impaired users |
| Caregiver access clearances | Caregiver-width clearances at all zones | Not considered |
Every KoalaPlay inclusive playground is designed in collaboration with the facility’s clinical or education team. These examples represent the types of project environments and outcomes we deliver.
A 600 sq ft fully integrated sensory gym and play area for a paediatric occupational therapy clinic. Equipment specified in direct collaboration with the clinic’s OT team — platform swings, proprioceptive crawl tunnels, multi-texture sensory wall, calm-down pod and vestibular balance equipment. Every element selected to support specific IEP and OT goals.
An 800 sq ft accessible indoor recess and play zone designed for a public K-8 special education school. Fully ramped multi-level structure serving wheelchair users alongside general education students — shared equipment, shared experience. The project was grant-funded with KoalaPlay providing full ADA compliance documentation for the Title III grant application.
A 1,400 sq ft commercial inclusive play floor for an FEC serving both typically developing and special-needs children. High-energy climbing zone, sensory zone, accessible ball pit and calm-down area — all integrated into a single cohesive layout. The FEC markets specifically to special needs families as a “sensory-friendly” destination and reports strong repeat visitation from that demographic.
The right inclusive playground configuration depends on who you serve, your space and your therapeutic or business model. Here are KoalaPlay’s recommended setups for the four most common special needs playground environments.
A well-designed inclusive play environment incorporates three distinct sensory zones — allowing children to move between high-activity, moderate and calming spaces according to their individual sensory needs.
High-energy movement providing proprioceptive and vestibular input for children who seek intense sensory stimulation.
Structured play and peer interaction — challenging enough to engage but predictable enough to stay comfortable.
Quiet, padded retreat space for self-regulation — essential for ASD and SPD children who need to decompress mid-session.
KoalaPlay builds ADA compliance into the design at the outset — not as an add-on. Every inclusive playground we produce is built around the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, with full documentation for your compliance, insurance and grant needs.
Ramped accessible routes to all play events — no step-only access points. Ramp slope: max 1:12 gradient. Surface: slip-resistant vinyl.
All circulation zones maintain a minimum 60-inch clear turning radius for wheelchair manoeuvrability throughout the play area.
All interactive play panels, buttons and activity elements positioned within the ADA reach range of 15–48 inches above the floor surface.
All entry gates and passage openings are a minimum 44 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs and accompanying caregivers.
We provide a complete ADA compliance report, ASTM certification, and material safety data sheets for your insurer, inspector and grant writer.
Our documentation package is specifically structured to support Title III, IDEA, disability services and facility improvement grant applications.
Inclusive playground equipment must be designed not just for disability profile, but for developmental stage. Children with special needs often develop at a different pace — our layouts accommodate a wide developmental range within each age group.
Low, fully padded environments with sensory exploration as the primary goal.
Structured play with increasing challenge — social and motor skill focus.
Higher challenge, independent play and continuing therapeutic goals.
Designing for special needs children requires a manufacturer that understands both therapeutic requirements and the practical realities of running an inclusive facility — not just a standard playground supplier offering an accessible add-on.
We design ADA compliance from the ground up — not retrofitted. Every structural, spatial and material decision considers accessibility first.
As the manufacturer, we eliminate dealer margins — maximising your equipment budget for the equipment itself, not distribution overhead.
Our design team works directly with your OT, PT or BCBA to select and position equipment to match your specific therapeutic programme goals.
We provide ADA compliance reports, ASTM certifications and material documentation specifically structured to support disability and education grant applications.
Submit your floor plan and population profile. Our design team produces a free 3D therapeutic layout — before any purchase commitment.
Full ASTM and EN1176 certification on all equipment. Satisfies your insurer, your AHJ and your board of directors’ due diligence requirements.
Tell us about your facility, your population and your goals. We’ll deliver a free 3D inclusive layout — designed with your OT team’s input — within 5–7 business days. No commitment required.
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