Sensory Roller Slides: Benefits of Inclusive Tube Slides for Playgrounds

The Benefits of Sensory Roller Slides on Playgrounds

Playgrounds are an essential part of childhood. They provide opportunities for children to engage in physical activity, socialize, and learn through play. In recent years, there has been a push towards making playgrounds more inclusive and accessible to all children, regardless of their abilities. One innovation that has emerged from this movement is the sensory roller slide.

Sensory roller slides, sometimes called tube slides or spiral slides, offer a unique sliding experience that provides sensory input. As the name suggests, they are slides that are enclosed in a tube or tunnel, often with a spiral or wavy shape. The child slides through the bumpy, twisting tube, providing vestibular and proprioceptive input as they go.

Benefits of Sensory Roller Slides

Here are some of the benefits of having a sensory roller slide on a playground:

• Provides sensory input - The bumpy, twisting nature of the slide provides input to the vestibular and proprioceptive senses as kids slide through it.
• Inclusive play - Sensory roller slides are accessible to all children, including those with disabilities, as they do not require climbing up stairs or ladders to access.
• Motor skills - Sliding through the spiral shape helps promote balance and coordination.
• Fun and engaging - Kids are naturally drawn to and excited by the unique sliding experience.
• Safety - Roller slides have high edges to keep kids contained as they slide.
• Durability - Made from durable plastic or fiberglass, these slides are built to withstand heavy use.

Sensory Input for All Children

One of the biggest benefits of sensory roller slides is that they provide needed sensory input to all children in an inclusive, integrated setting. The sensory input can be especially helpful for some children with special needs such as autism or sensory processing disorders who crave vestibular and proprioceptive input.

The enclosed tube provides a safe space for children to regulate themselves. The bumps and curves provide input to the body's muscles, joints, vision, and inner ear, helping improve body awareness, balance, and coordination. This is invaluable for kids who struggle with these areas.

Promoting Motor Skills

The spiral shape and curves of the slide help promote motor skills in children. Sliding through the wavy tube requires balance and stabilization of the body which helps strengthen core muscles. Kids must also coordinate their limbs to maneuver through the tube's changing contours.

The motor planning and sequencing of how to slide the body through the tube also activates cognitive skills. Overall, the unstable, variable nature of the slide is great for promoting motor skills compared to a straight slide with no variation.

Easy Access for All Abilities

Traditional playground slides require climbing up steps or ladders in order to access the slide. This can limit accessibility for children with physical disabilities. Sensory roller slides remove this barrier.

Roller slides are positioned at ground level, with a flat entryway. This allows children using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers to easily access the slide without needing adult assistance. The enclosed tube containment provides safety and support as well.

The inclusive access of sensory slides allows children with diverse abilities to play and socialize together. Physical activity, social skills, and overall health are promoted for all children through this integrated equipment.

Engaging Play for All Ages

Sensory roller slides promote active play and social interaction for a wide age range. Toddlers enjoy crawling through the tube and emerging from the gentle slope. School-aged kids delight in climbing inside with friends and twisting through the curves.

The unique flowing shape provides a different experience from straight or wavy slides that kids are used to. It also adds visual interest to the playground environment. Kids are naturally drawn to the novel equipment and motivated to repeatedly go down the slide.

The sensory roller slide engages kids in active play and helps hold their attention longer. It can be enjoyed alone or with peers, making it versatile for different ages and stages.

Important Safety Features

Enclosed tube or spiral slides are designed with safety in mind. High edges prevent kids from falling out as they slide down. The tubular design also contains kids to avoid collisions with other playground users.

Roller slides should have a gentle slope that does not gain too much momentum. Smooth curves, rather than sharp turns, are safer as well. Openings are designed for gradual slowing and exit at the end.

Made from durable plastics or fiberglass, properly maintained sensory slides are able to withstand thousands of uses over years. Regular inspection and upkeep is still required. Placement of the slide exit away from high traffic areas adds an additional safety factor.

Things to Consider

While sensory roller slides provide many benefits, there are a few things to consider before installing one:

• Cost - These specialized slides are more expensive than regular slides, ranging $5,000-$15,000 installed.
• Size - Require a substantial footprint, around 200 square feet.
• Open top - Some kids may feel uneasy being enclosed and prefer an open top.
• Maintenance - As with any playground equipment, need regular inspection and upkeep.

Overall, the positives of inclusive sensory-based play provided by roller slides often outweigh the drawbacks. With proper site planning and budgeting, they can be a great addition to any playground looking to provide innovative equipment accessible to all.

FAQs

What are the benefits of sensory roller slides?

Sensory roller slides provide vestibular and proprioceptive input through the bumpy, enclosed tube design. They help promote inclusive play, motor skills, and sensory processing in children. They are also highly engaging and accessible for kids of all abilities.

How are sensory roller slides inclusive?

Sensory roller slides can be accessed at ground level, without stairs or ladders. This allows children with physical disabilities to easily use them independently. The enclosed tube also provides safety and support for a diverse range of users.

What age range enjoys sensory roller slides?

Sensory roller slides can engage children from toddlers to school-aged. Toddlers enjoy crawling through while older kids like sliding through with friends. The unique shape appeals to a wide developmental range.

Are sensory roller slides safe?

Yes, sensory roller slides are designed with high edges and gentle slopes for safety. Regular inspection and maintenance is still required. Placing the slide exit away from high traffic areas adds additional safety.

What should I consider before installing a sensory roller slide?

Consider the cost, which ranges from $5,000-$15,000. They also require a large footprint. Some kids may prefer an open top. As with any equipment, they need regular inspection and maintenance.