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Variety Liberty Swings
 'What a great
invention for children with disabilities. Sometimes it is very difficult for
parents and caregivers to find ways to give children the feeling of movement,
this does it in such a neat way. Also, the fact that it is situated as part of
the playground area gives the children a real sense of inclusion,' Graham
Condon, Christchurch City Councillor.
Variety Liberty Swings are designed to
give children in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the exhilaration and
freedom of a playground swing alongside their fully-able playmates. Partnering
with inspired corporations, trusts and
local councils, Variety aims to provide a Variety Liberty
Swing in every municipality throughout New Zealand, ensuring equal access to play
equipment is available to every New Zealand
child.
To see the joy a Liberty Swing
brings, please click here and to find a Variety Liberty Swing in your area, click here.
Designed
and manufactured in Australia by play specialists, the Variety Liberty Swing is
a revoluntionary concept in playground
equipment for people with disabilities. The placement of Variety Liberty Swings
in popular community playgrounds allows families to play as a whole and
encourages the integration of fully-able and disabled children.
Variety Liberty
Swings are a safe, robust, hydraulic swing which allow easy access for
children in wheelchairs or simply a supported, secure seat for those who need
it. They meet all current safety standards and are licensed to hold up to
250kgs.
 Keys:
Variety Liberty Swings have
a locking mechanism which secures the swing to its ramp when not in use. Using
a Master Key system, keys are made available to borrow or keep, usually through
the City Council, information centre or CCS Disability Action office.(Note: in
some regions the Variety Liberty Swing Master Key has been replaced to conform
with local security systems. Please check with your local council for
details)
Variety is constantly working to secure funding assistance
and partners to help install more swings and is happy to work with you
and your community to explore the opportunities for a Variety Liberty Swing
in your area. Variety can also organise swings for direct purchase by private
playgrounds, schools etc.
Variety would like to pay
special acknowledgement to all the Variety Liberty Swings partners, and in particular
to Trillian Trust for its assistance in getting the programme
underway.
For further information about the Variety Liberty Swing Programme
in New Zealand please email Heather or phone the Sunshine House on 09
520 4111. For information about Liberty Swings manufacture and design click
here.
What are people
saying about ... Variety Liberty Swings
'I cried when I saw the
expression of wonder on my sons face when he experienced his first swing.'
'Thank you, thank you and thank you.'
'I just love the swing. When are we going to get a
slide?'
'I like the Liberty Swing as other kids come over
to see what I am doing and they talk to me.'
'I was given my own key and that's pretty
special.'
'I went and had a swing and there was a lot of
water gathered at the back of it which my Mum did not see. When the swing moved
I got really wet and so did she! It was really
cool.'
Variety recently received a different sort of Thank You
letter from a 17 year old girl...
"Dear Variety,.. I have a little
story to share which is thanks to Variety. My friend and I were swinging on
swings at a Highland Park playground when a boy in a wheelchair, about 9 years
old or so, came into the playground with his father. Ordinarily I would have
been sad for him that he couldn't go on a swing...but he could. A wonderful
bright, yellow, special swing had been put up. My friend and I watched as
this gorgeous little boy was fastened in and pushed by his dad. He was so happy.
His laughs bought me to tears. So thank you for helping something like swinging
on swings, which I used to take for granted, a reality for those who deserve it
most" More feedback
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