Dr Helen Lynch and Dr. Alice Moore are researchers of play and playspaces, and advocates for children’s rights to access playspaces that are universally designed, and high in play value.
Originating from the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, UCC, they have been engaged for many years in a research programme concerning the rights of children to play, in particular play for children with disabilities, and how the study of play with children can inform the design of inclusive play environments.
They have worked on several funded projects exploring these issues, with the Irish Heritage Council, the National Disability Authority and Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, Ireland, and in EU projects: COST Action programme TD1309 called LUDI, on the rights of children with disability to play [2014-2018] and P4play (861257 [2019-2025]).
In addition, they have collaborated with local community groups and schools to promote ideas of co-design with children and families, so that playspaces are inclusive. They believe that if we design by inclusion (i.e. engage and develop ideas collaboratively with children who are experts in play) then inclusion is maximised in the design of playspaces also. The primary goal of any playspaces is for children and families to feel welcome, to feel like they belong.
- 2021: Crann Centres, Cork: Dream, Design, Deliver! | Crann Centre Ireland
- 2022 LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, outdoor play project
- 2021 Croghan Playground Committee, Roscommon, community playground project
- 2021 Scoil Mhuire, Shankill, Dublin, autism unit playspace
- 2019 Laois playground audits for inclusion and UD
- 2016: Cul an Ti, Gaelscoil ui Riada : “Cúl anTí” – Official Opening | Gaelscoil Uí Riada
Helen was a member of steering group on the Let’s Play Ireland government campaign established by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs during covid-19, 2020.
Other projects connecting children’s rights to play with children’s participation have been conducted with Cork Child Friendly Cities forum, including:
- Freedom of the City project for the Cork City Development Plan 2022, resulting in a submission for the first time of what children want for their city: CORK FREEDOM OF THE CITY SUMMARY OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SUBMISSIONS | Cork City Council’s Online Consultation Portal
- Museum Projects 2023, for playful, inclusive cultural experiences, Nano Nagle Museum Cork: Accessibility – Nano Nagle Place
In 2022, Helen and Alice were awarded the National Ann Beckett award from the Occupational Therapy Association for the Crann Project, which involved co-creation and development of an inclusive play and recreations space for children and families with physical disabilities: News | Ann Beckett Award Winners Receive Their Prize At AOTI Conference | The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland
