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Wheelchair swings and playground equipment GL Jones Playgrounds is a family business that has become one of the leading manufacturers of Inclusive Wheelchair accessible swing and playground equipment for integrated play. From single swing units to multi-bay mixed swing designs, to accessible roundabouts and easy access double width slides. If you are looking for any type of wheelchair playground equipment - for a school or one-off personal purchase contact GL Jones today. Contact details: GL Jones Playgrounds Ltd Station Road, Bethesda LL57 3NE Tel: (01248) 600 372 Website: www.gljones-playgrounds.co.uk All of these items and more are found in their flagship Ability Range, designed, made and tested by their skilled and dedicated workforce, at their UK based manufacturing complex in Snowdonia and have been operating for over thirty years. Units can be altered or designed to meet individual requirements using state of the art Computer Aided Design software.

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A wheelchair accessible swing can be a great addition to wheelchair accessible playgrounds or even your own garden if you have a child who is forced to use a wheelchair. While able-bodied kids have no difficulties using regular swings, most chair users would not be able to have the same experience without specially designed equipment. A wheelchair accessible swing can come in a few variations depending on the manufacturer.

The more common type of swing looks like a ramp with a back support with chains attached to them. The wheelchair is maneuvered onto the ramp and the gate is lifted and secured. Some of these swings will have some sort of clamping or strapping device to ensure the chair does not move while in motion. Once the child is secured, the child's companion initiates the swinging motion by giving them a push. Another variation of the wheelchair accessible swing totally encases the chair in the back and both sides. Once the chair is wheeled into this solid box, it is secured into place and a front gate is closed and secured if the swing is equipped with one.

This model tends to feel safer for the child as there are no open sides, eliminating their fear of falling out of the swing. Additionally this style of swing can achieve a great height during the swinging motion without risking the child's safety. The material used around the swing also has to take into consideration the kids that will be using it. Sand is generally used around swings as it is relatively cheap and offers some cushion should the child fall off. This type of material cannot be used around wheelchair accessible ramps as it makes it very difficult for the child to move their chair in. Concrete, pavement, interlocking brick, wood or even outdoor carpet installed over a hard surface eliminates the mobility issues experienced by chair users in dirt and sand.