1. Play is about exploring, and from a very early age children get interested in smells, sounds and textures and want to find out more. They learn from actions and reactions: get something wet, and it changes; do something and it does something back. They have fun. But children who aren't able to sit up or crawl, or whose vision or memory is limited, face barriers that need overcoming. Things may need to be brought within reach. Outside effort might be needed to stimulate interest and maintain attention.
2. Patience, persistence, willingness to improvise and a can-do attitude are the main ingredients of success. Helping able-bodied children to understand and accept another child's impairment, eradicating adults' nervousness, and building everyone's awareness of difference will all help break down barriers. As with so many aspects of disability, the hearts and minds battle is as important as any technical or officially sanctioned way of doing things.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
