Inclusive Indoor Play: Play and Playthings

Abstract

Unlike outdoor playgrounds, indoor play environments are made up of playthings that are larger than toys and smaller than playground equipment. These playthings, due to their focus on able-bodied children, are vastly underutilized as tools for social education. In the absence of inclusive playthings, children with disabilities are unable to fully participate in play which can lead to developmental delays. Known as Inclusive Indoor Play, the study intended to learn about the needs of indoor play for children with and without disabilities in order to design universal playthings that can benefit all children. This research study is divided into four different phases: Play typology; Focus group interviews; Children's drawings; and Play study. This paper summarizes the results from the focus groups interviews and offers information about play, indoor play, and inclusive indoor play and a comprehensive list of design criteria for inclusive playthings.

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