The Liberty Swing is a world-first Australian innovation – a swing that allows children in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the joy of having a swing in the park. It is the only swing of its type that is fully lockable and allows a maximum swing height – that is, really swinging, not just rocking back and forth. When installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is a very safe and easy to use piece of equipment; the plastic moulded capsule is fitted with an internal steel frame, making it robust enough to withstand the rigours of an outdoor children’s playground or busy schoolyard.
The Swing is manufactured in Sydney, Australia to the highest Australian and European Standards.
The manufacturer recommends a maximum carrying capacity of 250 kg (550 lbs).
The manufacturer strongly recommends that the Liberty Swing be enclosed in a fenced area. While some people are ideologically opposed to fences in playgrounds, safety of children running in playgrounds must be paramount in decision-making. Consider the bulk of the capsule and weight when it contains a person plus wheelchair. Liberty Swings look great and integrate well into existing playgrounds when fenced with transparent, swimming pool-type fencing. We’ve found that most contemporary playgrounds these days are fenced – meaning peace of mind for carers and parents. Fencing should be a minimum height of 1200 mm but other barriers can be used (see our Fact Sheet Photo Install Examples).
It is the inventor’s intention that these swings not be placed in isolated areas away from traditional play areas – the idea is that the whole family can go to the park together and all the children, those with or without a disability, can enjoy the facilities some children have been missing out on until now. There are some great examples of well-integrated Liberty Swings in playgrounds around the world. Sometimes when the Liberty Swing is being used, able-bodied children want a turn. If a key-holder is present, this is possible using the internal seat. We encourage the use of the Liberty Swing by all, but priority should always be given to those in the community for whom its invention was intended, and always under adult supervision.
The Liberty Swing contains an internal fold-down seat for people who are not confined to a wheelchair, but who still need the support of the seatbelt, or perhaps access to the swing by wheelchair; it is possible for some children, after initial help from their carer, to swing themselves, and if they have control of their upper bodies/arms, this provides an excellent form of exercise.
It is essential that users of the Liberty Swing lock the ramp back into position when finished with the swing. This will ensure public safety and deter misuse. Swing owner/managers should make every effort to ensure responsible use of the Liberty Swing. Safety signage and full instructions for on-site display are supplied with the Liberty Swing and should be read thoroughly by every new user.