With the elimination of recess, an intensified focus on learning outside of school, and the increased seriousness of youth sports, children’s opportunities for free play have reached the brink of extinction. Now more than ever, children need a sanctioned area in the home where play is not only allowed, but also facilitated and encouraged.
Decades ago, a wise man recognized the importance of play by creating an entire neighborhood that has fertilized the imaginations of millions. Mister Fred Rogers summarized the motivation of his work by explaining, “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
“When kids play, they remember. They may not be aware they are learning, but they are aware they are having fun. The unique experience of growing up with a disability commonly involves the loss of control over basic daily decisions," says Rebecca Krook, a play facilitator for children with disabilities. "In addition to their specific symptoms, children with disabilities often face anxiety related to medical procedures and the changing status of their health. Play is an effective antidote for anxiety while fortifying the foundation of a child’s self-confidence."
Researcher and child psychologist Dr. Alicia Lieberman states, “Play gives the child a safe space where she can experiment at will, suspending the rules and constraints of physical and social reality. In play, the child becomes master rather than subject.”
The dedication of an entire room for play is an ideal option for some families, but it’s not the only avenue to promote the value of play. The design, use of space, and addition of stimulating toys surpass the importance of the square footage.
Begin planning the development of a play area for a child with a disability by considering his or her unique needs and abilities. Does your child use a wheelchair? Is your child blind and actively learning orientation skills needed to move independently? For both these children, it will be essential to keep toys off the ground. They should have clearly designated places (i.e., labeled with pictures or tactile signs) that allow the child to retrieve and replace toys.
For many children with different types of disabilities, balance is an ongoing challenge. Stabilize play surfaces by offering tables for block or doll play accessible from a wheelchair, standing, or kneeling positions. If possible, offer soft areas to promote the development of independent transfer skills. Floor play encourages the practice of gross and fine motor skills while allowing children to play more closely with their peers.
Because most public playgrounds and the homes of schoolmates are not accessible, children with disabilities have fewer opportunities to engage in free play with others. Providing an enticing and stimulating environment for play facilitates the formation of relationships and basic social skills. Many parents have discovered offering traditionally outdoor activities in a well-designed playroom provides additional containment with the safety of increased supervision.
The Ekorre line from IKEA, recommended by occupational therapists, allows children to practice balance and sensory integration using indoor swings, hammocks, and ladders. Younger children will enjoy the addition of a small ball pit to stimulate the senses.
Calculate your ability to make changes to the playroom before adding facets that will require an update in only a short amount of time. A stimulating learning environment that offers the opportunity for barrier-free play can be done on virtually any budget. Small touches, like hanging artwork at a child’s eye level, will send a message of acceptance and support to your child.
Once completed and checked for safety, spend time with your child in his or her new space. Encourage family games, time with friends, and individual quiet time in the playroom. In a world of adults and people without disabilities, children will cherish their new sanctuary where they’re free to explore, learn, and play.
