Written by Mike Price, OT
Swinging is a memorable part of childhood, providing joy and developmental benefits. It supports sensory, muscular, and social growth in children. Handicap-friendly swings ensure that kids with disabilities enjoy the same enriching experience as their peers.
 | 1) High Backed Full Support Swing Seats View Product |
Just as every person is unique, every swing offers a different amount and method of support. If you want a swing with maximum support, consider swings that have full back support and pommels that will benefit posture control and support those with limited trunk mobility. On the lighter side, you may choose a swing without a pommel or a lower back support to strengthen body control. Make sure to work within limitations, but abdominal muscles can be worked by encouraging the user to sit up straight while swinging.
Some users may not be able to push themselves on a swing. This is why accessibility is extremely important to consider. For instance, individuals in wheelchairs face significant barriers to swinging. If you do not want to worry about transitioning them from a wheelchair to a swing, look for a swing that has a wheelchair swing platform. Otherwise, two connected swings would be perfect if you cannot swing independently but have a companion. That way, your friend or family member can provide the power, and you will still be on the ride. Make sure to consider the user’s capacities for swinging and ensure they can get on and off the swing with as much ease as possible.
Swings offer a variety of safety straps. Some go over the shoulders, some go across the waist, and others have a combination of straps. The decision should be based on the support needed, independence levels, and comfort. Additionally, if you are looking for a wheelchair platform swing, ensure it has a non-slip surface and locking feature.
The vestibular system, known more commonly as part of the sensory system, is often a forgotten part of development. However, it’s crucial! We need the ability to observe, process, and react to the world around us. This is exactly the job of the sensory system! A swing's rhythmic, back-and-forth motions help children develop balance, posture control, and coordination. A swing can also improve strength in the hands as the user grasps the ropes to hold on, core as they sit up straight, and legs propel themselves forward.
An inclusive playground is just as it sounds: a playground that those of all abilities can play on without feeling left out. More specifically, inclusive playgrounds are accessible to a population with diverse abilities, are simple to use, and promote sensory, physical, and social development. Common components of inclusive playgrounds include adaptive swing seats, such as those on this list, ramps, and a combination of easy, medium, and hard entries and exits onto elevated surfaces.
Sensory-motor skills are used when we observe something from the world around us by sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch and respond with physical action. For example, sensory-motor skills are used when we see a ball approaching us and then catch it with our hands.
Some children need more help than others in developing the connection between their senses and body movements, often called motor planning. Occupational and physical therapists use swing therapy to develop sensory integration through play.
Swinging teaches sensory awareness as users move through the air. They must process sight, sound, movement, and even gravity, typically subconsciously, as they use their bodies to propel themselves forward. Even if they aren’t swinging independently, they are still exposed to these sensations. Swings also increase balance, coordination, and body awareness. Additionally, most children find the smooth, back-and-forth movement relaxing, so it can be great for calming a child down.
For children with autism, developing sensory integration is extremely important, and swings are a great tool for this. The rhythmic, swinging motion also often slows hyperactivity and promotes peacefulness, which can aid when an autistic child is upset or feels out of their element.
 | Variable Axis Sensory Therapy Swing for Special Needs View Product |
The Variable Axis Sensory Therapy Swing by Southpaw Enterprises is our number 5 pick for handicap-friendly swings. This high-back supportive therapy swing accommodates linear and rotational movement, making it versatile for various therapeutic needs. The swing features a lightweight, foldable design for convenient storage and portability and a washable cover for easy maintenance. Available with or without a length-adjustable footrest, this swing can be adjusted in seat angle to provide extra positional support for clients with less control over posture and motor skills. It offers a safe and comfortable swinging experience that aids in sensory and proprioceptive development for children with conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy.
 | Wheelchair Swing Platform and Frame by SportsPlay View Product |
Number 4 on our list is the highly accessible Wheelchair Swing Platform by SportsPlay Equipment, which allows people in wheelchairs to experience swinging like able-bodied individuals.
Enter the vinyl-coated steel platform swing from the front or back ramps and swing away. The non-skid material will keep the wheels from moving and the user in place. Additionally, having two ramps allows extremely easing loading and unloading onto the platform with no stress of falling while transferring between a wheelchair and swing. Then, they fold up and can be securely locked during use for safety. An optional pull chain accessory is also available for purchase, which allows users to enter and exit the platforms independently. Transferring can be extremely difficult, even with ADA-approved playground equipment, but with SportsPlay Equipment’s Wheelchair Swing Platform, you don’t have to worry.
The swing platform is 32 inches wide and 38 inches long, so it fits most wheelchairs, and both portable and permanent frames are available. The portable frame’s legs remain on top of the ground, while the permanent frame’s legs are cemented into the ground. Your purchasing options are to buy the portable frame only, permanent frame only, wheelchair platform only, permanent frame with wheelchair platform, or the portable frame with the wheelchair platform. Chains and S-hooks are included with the wheelchair platform for easy setup. With all of these options, there is no reason you won’t get exactly what you want!
 | JennSwing Special Needs Pediatric Swing View Product |
The highly supportive and ADA-compliant JennSwing Special Needs Pediatric Swing by SportsPlay Equipment is number 3 on our list. The JennSwing attaches to any existing frames with S-hooks and will be the perfect addition to your personal, neighborhood, or school playset.
This pediatric swing balances safety and comfort. Children sit in a slightly reclined position and receive head, neck, back, and leg support. No matter a kid’s level of physical development, with the JennSwing, everyone can enjoy this staple childhood activity. Additional straps are included for increased safety during use, and a chain installation kit is provided.
This swing by SportsPlay Equipment comes in five different colors. Your child will swing in style whether they prefer banana yellow, ocean blue, jungle green, bubble gum pink, or fire engine red. You can also purchase an optional cushioned seat liner for added comfort and hygiene.
 | Skillbuilders High Back Full Support Swing Seat View Product |
The Skillbuilders High Back Full Support Swing Seat, our number 2 pick, is a versatile swing suitable for children, teenagers, and adults. Designed by Fabrication Enterprises, this sturdy swing features a high-back design that encourages proper posture and provides significant support through its solid construction. The swing is equipped with a safety harness and crotch strap to ensure proper positioning while swinging, with additional optional accessories like a pommel, headrest, and leg rests for users with limited mobility. The heavy-duty ropes and chains can suspend the seat from any 10-foot frame, offering an enjoyable, therapeutic swinging experience promoting strength-building and sensory development.
 | High Backed Full Support Swing Seats View Product |
The customizable and long-lasting High Backed Full Support Swing Seat by TFH is at the top of our list due to its high level of support. The enlarged backrest is perfect for individuals of all ages with special needs.
Don’t fear that the swing will be too big or too small. You can adjust the straps while buckling in for a perfectly snug fit. Coming in three different sizes, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 17-inch for children, teens, and adults, this swing fits people weighing up to 280 pounds. It also has fully adjustable ropes for your preferred height and tilt of the swing. This seat is perfect for swing frames up to 10 feet high.
There is no need to worry about breakdowns or fragility. The seat and backrest are made of high-density polyethylene, a strong but soft material you could find in most plastic items while walking around your house. The materials, including the ropes, are made with UV-resistant material so there will be no fading even after being out in the sun for years. Lastly, the seat features a pommel that provides the user's pelvic support.
Handicap-friendly swings are an excellent way to develop vestibular, proprioceptive, muscular, and social skills. Not only will children and adults with disabilities work towards further developing these important skills, but they will have the same fun experience as everyone else.
We chose the High Backed Full Support Swing Seat by TFH as our number 1 pick due to its high support and customization options, making it ideal for individuals of all ages with special needs. With its adjustable straps, multiple sizes, and durable, UV-resistant materials, this swing ensures a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting experience for everyone.
For more information about creating an inclusive playground, read How to Choose the Best Playground Equipment, and please visit Caregiver University for more helpful caregiving tips, tricks, and buying guides!
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
