In 1995, five families who are raising children with
disabilities came together, determined to create a
playspace for all children. Having discovered that
most public spaces are designed to accommodate
either children with typical development or children
with disabilities, these families were confronted with
the dilemma that their children were not able to play
together in an environment where every family
member could fully participate. This was
unacceptable.
Center for Creative Play® (CFCP) opened In
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1995, as the result of
these five families’ hard work, dedication, and the
overwhelming support of the community. One of the
founding parents, Mara Kaplan, became the
Executive Director and served in this position for
eleven years.
During its existence the CFCP model was the only
completely inclusive indoor play environment that met
the full range of physical, intellectual, emotional, and
social needs necessary for successful child
development.
CFCP’s mission was to ensure that all people
understand the importance of play for all children.
CFCP’s goal was to educate communities about the
importance of play and encourage the creation of
these play environments across the country--giving
ALL children the opportunity to play.
The adaptations of the Pittsburgh playspace to make
it more accessible were purposely unobtrusive so that
families could experience play without boundaries.
High ceilings, natural light from skylights, and a
carefully chosen color palette provided an
atmosphere that was pleasing to children with sensory
processing disorders such as autism. A lift provided
access to the second-story playhouse for children
with mobility issues who rarely experience an
opportunity to see new heights. Materials used in the
intricate floor designs (and varying textures) were
purposely selected and installed to promote sensory
experiences and provide easy transitioning for those
who use mobility devices.
CFCP space include a Street of Pretend Play, a music
and art rooms, a sensory room, an every changing
obstacle course and 1,000 toys.
Under the leadership of Mara Kaplan, CFCP evolved
from a grassroots organization to become a nationally
recognized leader in universal design and play
advocacy. CFCP model was replicated in 4 cities.
CFCP also had a program where they assessed
children's museums on their design, giving them
constructive and doable suggestions for improving
their accessibility. CFCP assessed over 40 children's
museums in two years. CFCP's staff led workshops
on play, universal design, sensory integration and
more throughout the country.
The Center for Creative Play closed in 2008 due
to lack of funding.
disabilities came together, determined to create a
playspace for all children. Having discovered that
most public spaces are designed to accommodate
either children with typical development or children
with disabilities, these families were confronted with
the dilemma that their children were not able to play
together in an environment where every family
member could fully participate. This was
unacceptable.
Center for Creative Play® (CFCP) opened In
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1995, as the result of
these five families’ hard work, dedication, and the
overwhelming support of the community. One of the
founding parents, Mara Kaplan, became the
Executive Director and served in this position for
eleven years.
During its existence the CFCP model was the only
completely inclusive indoor play environment that met
the full range of physical, intellectual, emotional, and
social needs necessary for successful child
development.
CFCP’s mission was to ensure that all people
understand the importance of play for all children.
CFCP’s goal was to educate communities about the
importance of play and encourage the creation of
these play environments across the country--giving
ALL children the opportunity to play.
The adaptations of the Pittsburgh playspace to make
it more accessible were purposely unobtrusive so that
families could experience play without boundaries.
High ceilings, natural light from skylights, and a
carefully chosen color palette provided an
atmosphere that was pleasing to children with sensory
processing disorders such as autism. A lift provided
access to the second-story playhouse for children
with mobility issues who rarely experience an
opportunity to see new heights. Materials used in the
intricate floor designs (and varying textures) were
purposely selected and installed to promote sensory
experiences and provide easy transitioning for those
who use mobility devices.
CFCP space include a Street of Pretend Play, a music
and art rooms, a sensory room, an every changing
obstacle course and 1,000 toys.
Under the leadership of Mara Kaplan, CFCP evolved
from a grassroots organization to become a nationally
recognized leader in universal design and play
advocacy. CFCP model was replicated in 4 cities.
CFCP also had a program where they assessed
children's museums on their design, giving them
constructive and doable suggestions for improving
their accessibility. CFCP assessed over 40 children's
museums in two years. CFCP's staff led workshops
on play, universal design, sensory integration and
more throughout the country.
The Center for Creative Play closed in 2008 due
to lack of funding.
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| The Story of Center for Creative Play 1995-2008 |
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