The Play Brigade

The Play Brigade We envision a world for all individuals where there are no barriers to play, recreation, or sports,

When Boston-area parents Dawn and Justin Oates realized their local playground was not equipped so their daughter Harper, a wheelchair user, could play alongside her siblings, they had a vision of creating a world for all individuals where there are no barriers to sports, play and recreation, and where inclusion is the cornerstone of community. From that vision, The Play Brigade was born to provi

de inclusive sports and recreation equipment to communities and organizations; educate people about the importance of the need and right to belong and participate in play, regardless of age or ability; and provide programming that brings both together. Partnering with The National Inclusion Project (co-founded by Clay Aiken from American Idol), The MOMS Club of Brookline, and the Division of Parks and Open Space, their initial goal was to raise $1M+ toward inclusive playground construction in the Greater Boston area. Planning for the first two playgrounds began in 2015 and they have now consulted on several playgrounds in Boston and Brookline, as well as provided guidance and consulting to families in surrounding towns who are looking to influence their own communities to think more inclusively. They Play Brigade has since expanded beyond playgrounds to include advocacy and consulting in all areas related to play, recreation, and sports.

The Play Brigade thanks you all for your constant support. We wishing you a beautiful and peaceful Thanksgiving.
11/28/2024

The Play Brigade thanks you all for your constant support. We wishing you a beautiful and peaceful Thanksgiving.

wishes you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for each and everyone of you.
11/28/2024

wishes you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for each and everyone of you.

You are invited!
11/07/2024

You are invited!

On November 8 join us and Perkins School for the Blind for a free evening of conversation illuminating how to advance disability-inclusive climate practices, for environmentalists of all ages and roles, at the intersection of disability education and climate policy. Register for free at: https://bit.ly/4hhc1go

Virgin Atlantic Now Lets Passengers Book Sign Language Trained Crew for a More Inclusive Flight ExperienceVirgin Atlanti...
10/04/2024

Virgin Atlantic Now Lets Passengers Book Sign Language Trained Crew for a More Inclusive Flight Experience

Virgin Atlantic has become the first UK airline to allow passengers to book British Sign Language (BSL)-trained crew members for their flights, setting a new benchmark for accessibility in air travel.

The airline partnered with Remark!, a UK-based deaf-owned organization, to provide aviation-specific BSL training to a select group of cabin crew. Since the launch of this initiative in 2023, the number of BSL-trained crew members has more than doubled, and they are now available on all flights by request.

This groundbreaking service responds to the growing demand for inclusive travel. Recent research shows that 82% of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals surveyed plan to take at least one holiday in the next year, but over half (58%) worry about communication challenges with airline staff. Virgin Atlantic’s new offering aims to eliminate these concerns by giving passengers the ability to request a BSL-trained crew member up to 12 weeks before their flight.

The airline is also committed to improving other accessibility features. In-flight entertainment options now include subtitles for 80% of movies and 40% of TV shows, with plans to increase those figures. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic’s My Booking platform has been updated for easier access to special assistance, and a new “Sign Live” service provides an on-demand BSL interpreter for customer service inquiries, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the passenger journey.

Passengers interested in booking a BSL-trained crew member can do so by visiting Virgin Atlantic’s website, clicking on Accessibility & Special Assistance in the Help Centre, and filling out the request form.

“The cool thing about camping is that there is no “right” way to do it. It’s adaptable to your budget, level of function...
09/11/2024

“The cool thing about camping is that there is no “right” way to do it. It’s adaptable to your budget, level of function, time constraints, and how adventurous you’re feeling. Here’s how four wheelchair users camp at various levels of comfort, from basic “roughing it” to car camping and glamping.”

As the first rays of dawn illuminate the inside of my tent, the chirping of birds complements the wind whispering through the forest. The air smells of the ocean and redwood trees. I’ve only been here…

Assistive Tech Fair in Danvers helps people of all abilities live independently.
09/04/2024

Assistive Tech Fair in Danvers helps people of all abilities live independently.

WBZ TV's Levan Reid reports.

09/03/2024
09/03/2024

Athletes from around the world are competing in the Paralympic games in Paris starting this week, and it’s generating excitement in the local adaptive sports community.
In Boston, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Centers hosted a watch party, where patients and staff gathered to cheer on two former patients now part of Team USA.🇺🇸

This incredible team trained in Boston this summer on the Charles river brings home silver! Congratulations on your silv...
09/02/2024

This incredible team trained in Boston this summer on the Charles river brings home silver! Congratulations on your silver medal!

They did it! USRowing Mixed Coxed Four PR3 brings home SILVER 🥈

The U.S. now has three straight Paralympic silvers in this discipline!

This is a sad reality in 2024!
07/06/2024

This is a sad reality in 2024!

Looking to enjoy a meal out in Boston, but thinking about accessibility?For this guide, people with a variety of disabil...
06/25/2024

Looking to enjoy a meal out in Boston, but thinking about accessibility?

For this guide, people with a variety of disabilities where asked where they like to go out to eat in the Boston area. These are the restaurants they recommended.



We asked diners with disabilities where they like to go for an accessible experience and tips for how restaurants can be more accommodating.

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P. O. Box 89
Brookline, MA
02446

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