{"id":6240,"date":"2021-03-31T08:27:27","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T12:27:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agrability\/?p=6240"},"modified":"2021-03-31T08:27:27","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T12:27:27","slug":"keep-kids-safe-on-the-farm-with-universal-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agrability\/2021\/03\/31\/keep-kids-safe-on-the-farm-with-universal-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Kids Safe on the Farm with Universal Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Ellen S. Gibson<\/em><\/p>\n

\"woman<\/h3>\n

Farms are wonderful places for kids to explore, to experience nature, to follow their curiosity, to learn about responsibility. Many farms are multi-generational. Often, farms invite visitors, for you-pick operations, Open Farm Day, or other events.<\/p>\n

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How do ensure the farm is a safe place for kids to be?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Universal Design Principles<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Flexibility in use<\/span>:\u00a0<\/i> If your barn will be accessible to small children, is it also a space where less mobile adults can easily supervise their children or grandchildren?<\/p>\n

Tolerance for error:\u00a0<\/i><\/span> There are areas on your farm where there is NO TOLERANCE FOR ERROR. Examples include chemical storage, where machinery is stored or in use, access to grain bins, hay mows, ladders. These areas need to be physically removed, locked, and clearly marked as off-limits to the public.<\/p>\n

Perceptible information:<\/i><\/span> Is there clear signage to show adults where kids can and cannot go? Are indoor spaces well-lighted?<\/p>\n

Simple and Intuitive use:\u00a0 <\/i><\/span>It\u2019s intuitive for kids to want to touch things, to put berries in their mouths for a taste-test. A garden where children can play should have no thorns or poisonous plants.<\/p>\n

Equitable Use:<\/i><\/span>\u00a0 A playground or children\u2019s garden–or any other places on a farm that children can access- needs paths and gates to accommodate all ages, whether it is an adult walking hand-in-hand with a child, or using a stroller, wheelchair, or walker.<\/p>\n

Consideration of all ages and developmental stages<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Match your expectations of children with their developmental stage. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n