THE PLAY OF CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN THE FIRST FOUR YEARS OF LIFE

Abstract

This study has as its theme the playing of children with physical disabilities in the first four years of life, and the research problem is thus: how, with whom and what do children with physical disabilities play in the first four years of life? The research aimed to find out if children with physical disabilities play in educational contexts; investigate who children play with; understand how play happens and identify assistive technology that favors play. The study was supported by theoretical bases that subsidize the understanding of the role of toys and playing in child development. Semi-structured interviews were adopted with teachers working in an Early Childhood Education Center and in an Early Stimulation Program, in addition to observation. We found out that all children observed play, interacting with other children or with adults. In some cases, there is a dependence on adults for the play to happen. Some assistive technology resources were identified, such as adapting furniture and toys. Several toys were made by teachers, adapting them to the conditions of children, enabling the action of playing.