Date/Location:

October 25, 2023

Description:

Play-based learning and social interaction fosters learning language and developing emotional competence for typically developing children, as children frequently interact with new conversation partners during play in their homes and other environments (Na, Wilkinson, Karny, Blackstone, & Stifter, 2016). Access to play is crucial for children, as interaction with objects, materials, and other people aids in the development of skills including cause and effect and motor control. However, for children presenting with conditions due to physical disabilities and/or intellectual disabilities such as cerebral palsy, access to play and development of subsequent skills may be delayed or absent. More specifically, many children with physical disabilities spend their early developmental years working to meet their basic medical needs, rather than socially engaging with their world through play. (Na, Wilkinson, Karny, Blackstone, & Stifter, 2016). Due to environmental factors, children with these needs may not experience the same level of exposure to models of social communication and play that typically developing children receive in their modalities of both access to objects and communication. Therefore, increased access to assistive technology across play-based activities may be beneficial for development of skills across learning to children with complex needs. (DaCosta et al., 2014). There are minor adaptations that can make major changes with how people with low incidence disabilities are active in their community activities and games during festivals. Individuals with low incidence disabilities need multi disciplinary accommodations to access fun filled activities.

Speakers:

Teresa Giardina

Courtney Grimes

Learning Outcomes:

Identify the need for adaptations and accessibility for individuals with complex needs to participate in leisure activities and playful explorations.

Describe the multiple uses of assistive technology within leisure activities and playful explorations. 

Evaluate at least 3 specific examples of games/activities that can be made more accessible using assistive technology including switches, Powerlink’s, and/or smart technology.

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CEUs This activity is offered for up to 0.2 CEUs (1.5 hours of instruction). To register for CEUs:  

Download and complete the following forms.

Save the files names: 231025_CTG_Lastname_Firstname

Send both files to ceus@aacinstitute.org

Upon completion of the two forms and passing the quiz, a CEU certificate will be sent.