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Development of Play Equipment Aimed at Children With Special Needs
Development of Play Equipment Aimed at Children With Special Needs
The Research
Research was conducted on the target audience to understand their present conditions.
The focus was on arriving at the shortcomings faced by children with special needs.
Also, there was a need to look at their preferences and arrive at play equipment that
can win their confidence and approval.
Observations were made on two different days at the institute in their classrooms and
the data has been mapped and analysed leading to some key factors. A focus group
discussion was also held with educators, specialists, psychiatrists and other
stakeholders catering to children with special needs.
Sensory Play
Physical Play
Passive Play
Pretend Play
Among the activities held was a colour swatch activity. The focus was on arriving at the
colours preferred by students. Children aged between 6 and 12 were observed in their
indoor play room to study how they interact with their toys.
From the research, it was clear that children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
enjoyed colouring and drawing. An idea for a sensory-based product was arrived at
based on this. A product was selected for inspiration and the initial design was made.
The product featured an acrylic drawing surface that can be rotated and pivoted with
adjustable height.
A prototype was made and shown to children at the school. The kids enjoyed the
product a lot. They did some tracing and also drew on their own. The teacher pointed
out that the product is really useful as most kids present there have some range of SPD.
This play equipment has been designed in such a way that it aids unstructured as well
as structured physical play. It consists of abstract open-ended elements.
The height of the horizontal elements is adjustable, making the equipment accessible to
children of varied age groups and physical needs. The facilitator can even create
obstacle paths using the equipment. As the play potential keeps changing with the
height of the elements, the possibilities are endless.
The physical play equipment can be installed in any form as space permits. Some of the
many variations are:
3) Colour Canopy
This equipment facilitates colour interaction and shadow play through rotatory motion
done by pushing (characteristics similar to a merry-go-round).
The child can rotate the lower canopy by moving the bottom disc with their legs while
holding the leaf handles. Alternatively, they can spin the leaf while standing in the same
position. This creates a colourful shadow play on the ground.
4) Sensory Tunnel
This equipment helps kids enhance their tactile senses through variations in the base
material as well as the rocking motion. It also involves sound and visual experiences.
The child can crawl or walk through the tunnel while it rocks because of its form. It can
be an individual unit or can be combined to form a longer passage.
We, at ArihantPLAY, are confident that the research and subsequent development of
play equipment mentioned in the article will serve as a benchmark for years to come.
The new equipment will serve the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of special
needs children in the best way possible.