Michelle Stone, a mother of five from Barwell in Wantage, Oxfordshire, is campaigning for more inclusive play areas designed for children with disabilities. Her six-year-old son, Finley, a pupil at Fitzwaryn School on Denchworth Road, has Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder affecting his motor skills and leaving him nonverbal. Finley uses a walker or wheelchair to get around, making many local play areas inaccessible for him.
Despite the challenges of Angelman Syndrome, Michelle notes that Finley is often smiling. “People say you never see Fin without a smile,” she reflects, a poignant mix of pride and frustration in her voice. But the exclusion he faces at local play areas is disheartening. “Seeing [Finley] at the park while the others are having fun and he isn’t is heart-breaking because he just can’t join in with everyone else,” Michelle shared.
A Call for Inclusive Change
Though the family lives just half a minute from Smith’s Wharf play area, Michelle explains that the site lacks facilities suitable for disabled children. Her frustration has driven her to advocate for inclusivity, especially for features like wheelchair-accessible swings similar to those found in nearby Cumnor. Highlighting the ongoing obstacles, Michelle said, “Everything with having a disabled child seems like a battle. It’s astounding that all children don’t yet have access to inclusive play environments in this day and age.”
Council Commitments
In response to Michelle’s concerns, a spokesperson for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils confirmed there are accessible play areas nearby and that plans for further facilities are underway. They acknowledged Smith’s Wharf playground is currently closed for safety improvements but is set to reopen by the end of April.
Funding has been allocated for enhancing inclusivity in local play areas. Each council member in the Vale has been given a £40,000 budget annually, supported by the Community Infrastructure Levy, to replace and install accessible play equipment. As part of the upcoming financial year beginning April 1, specific allocations are earmarked for additional resources, such as accessible swings, sensory boards, and an inclusive roundabout at The Chestnuts in Wantage.
Recently, other accessible play installations have been completed at Southern Town Park and Tilsley Park in Abingdon and Marlborough Gardens in Faringdon, demonstrating progress in creating inclusive recreational spaces within the region.
Hope for the Community
Michelle’s campaign symbolizes more than just better facilities for Finley. It’s a broader movement toward inclusivity, understanding, and community engagement. With growing public awareness and council action, families of children with disabilities can look forward to more accessible and empathetic options in their local area.
For parents and families looking to explore more local resources or events for children and groups, visit our directory to browse offerings or create a free business profile. You can also submit community-focused events to share activities happening in Wantage and its surroundings.
