The pleasure of playing
Elisa Rossoni
The article intends to prompt reflection on the topic of play as a vital and fundamental experience for children with disabilities. Such experiences, basically aimed at their well-being and social inclusion, often end up being secondary, sometimes even absent.
This paper is based on the internationally acknowledged right to play and on the awareness of diversity and vulnerability embodied in every child with a disability. Starting from these basic issues, theoretical considerations and methodological recommendations are proposed which create a play setting that matches the special needs of children with disabilities.
The experience of the Play Area of the non-profit association L’abilità is presented as a paradigmatic and innovative example of the implementation and realization of these prerequisites, which have established and returned to children with disabilities a precious space and time for play.
Keywords
Special needs education, children with disabilities, inclusive education, play
