Play Finds A Way Through Playgrounds (PFW) was a research project that focuses on equal and equitable access and participation in playgrounds and their surrounding environments for all children and their families. This project was undertaken with partnership and collaboration between The Steadward Centre and The University of Toronto with funding and support from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (CTJ) and the Government of Alberta. 

As part of this research, our team explored the experiences of children, parents, and rehabilitation and educational professionals with CTJ Inclusive Playgrounds. We began interviews with families and professionals in the Spring 2019 at three of the Jumpstart playground locations: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Calgary, Alberta; and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

As we continued with this research into 2021, we focused on speaking with children experiencing disability, their parents and caregivers, and rehabilitation professionals about their experiences of the Jumpstart playgrounds located in Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; and Calgary, Alberta. Also in 2021, The Steadward Centre delivered play based programming for the CTJ playground site in Edmonton. 

The PFW research project concluded in 2023. Using this research, best practices, and advocacy we aim to continue to advance knowledge about the interactions between childhood disability, play, and design.

In 2024, The Steadward Centre was proud to announce our first ever research affiliate, partnering with Adalberto Loyola Sanchez an assistant professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. The affiliate program aims to create lasting relationships with researchers based on alignment with TSC’s mission and values. One of his projects involves a collaboration with The Steadward Centre and is aimed at improving access and quality of adapted exercise and activity-based therapy in Edmonton. As Adalberto explains:

"As a Steadward Centre research affiliate, I envision establishing and consolidating partnerships with service providers, researchers and persons living with disabilities involved in this important centre for adapted physical activity and exercise…My principal research strategy is based on the principles of participation-action research, which aligns with the centre’s value of embodied ways of knowing.” 

Learn more about Adalberto’s research and the affiliate program here.