Donauwörth celebrates its first inclusive playground with a new swing!

Donauwörth celebrates its first inclusive playground with a new swing!

What's happening in Riedlingen? The city of Donauwörth celebrated a special opening on October 16, 2025: The first inclusion swing was launched, and the joy about it couldn't be greater. This step was no coincidence - the idea came from the Drabek family in Riedlingen, whose son is dependent on a wheelchair. Their desire for a user-friendly gaming option overwhelmed the city's officials, who gratefully took up the request.

The implementation of this inclusive swing was made possible by prize money of 500 euros from the VdK Bavaria's “Barrier-free innovations in public spaces” competition. This award was received by Sabrina Wittmeier, the municipal representative for people with disabilities. She didn't let the money sit for long and invested it directly in the project, supported by additional financial resources from the city of Donauwörth. With the active help of the municipal building yard, the swing was finally able to be built.

A place for everyone

Mayor Jürgen Sorré, city councilor Brigitte Kundinger-Schmidt as well as Sabrina Wittmeier and the Drabek family were present at the ceremonial opening. Together we sent a strong signal for inclusion and accessibility. The inclusion swing is part of a larger trend in which barrier-free play equipment for public and private areas is increasingly coming to the fore. These devices, such as wheelchair swings, barrier-free sandpits and special seesaws, promote the participation of all children in the playground, regardless of their physical condition. A playground not only helps with physical development, but also strengthens the self-confidence of children with disabilities, as the offerings from Finifuchs show.

• Rollstuhlschaukeln
• Rollstuhlkarussells
• Barrierefreie Sandkästen
• Unterfahrbare Sandspieltische
• Wippen für Kinder mit Behinderungen
• Schaukeln mit Rücken- und Seitenstützen
• Spezielle Klettergerüste mit Haltegriffen und Rampen

These developments are not only important, but also urgently needed - after all, many playgrounds in Germany are not barrier-free. This particularly excludes children with disabilities, including wheelchair users. Dr. Volker Anneken from the Research Institute for Inclusion through Exercise and Sport (FIBS) emphasizes how crucial playing together is for the acceptance of differences. Accessible playgrounds allow all children to play and learn, regardless of their abilities.

Aktion Mensch is strongly committed to creating more inclusive playgrounds and providing resources to help communities improve accessibility. Information on checklists, recommendations for action and inspiring examples are available to anyone interested to ensure that the playground of the future is welcoming for all children - with swings that exclude no one.

A first but important step in this direction has now been taken in Donauwörth. The inclusion swing is more than just a new way to play; it is a milestone for accessibility and a sign that even small wishes can have a big impact.