Children need others : Triggers for playfulness in pre-schoolers with multiple disabilities living within an informal settlement

 

 

Helen Bross^I; Elelwani Ramugondo^II; Claire Taylor^III; Claire Sinclair^IV

^IBSc OT (UCT); Medical Representative at Reckitt Benckiser South Africa
^IIMSc OT (UCT); Senior Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
^IIIBSc OT (UCT); Neuro-therapist at the Victoria Rehabilitation centre in Melbourne, Australia
^IVBSc OT (UCT); Senior Therapist on the Children's Therapy Team at the Richmond Royal Hospital in London

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

It is undisputed that play is the primary occupation of children 1 and that playfulness is an essential element of play. If more were understood about the circumstances allowing for playfulness, it would be possible for therapists to create optimal conditions to promote it. This paper highlights the findings of an instrumental collective case study describing triggers for playfulness for pre-schoolers with multiple disabilities. The pre-schoolers were observed in a school setting, as well as at home, to determine potential triggers for playfulness. Results from the pre-school show positive and negative conditions both allowing for playful responses. Being included or excluded, experiencing adversity, and noticing others merely nearby were all conditions that saw disabled children respond playfully. Observations at the children's homes revealed only positive conditions as pre-requisites for playful behaviour. These results provide some insight into what inclusive education may offer disabled children.

Key words: Trigger, Playfulness

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Correspondence:
Helen Bross bross
helen@googlemail.com / helen_bross@yahoo.co.uk

Elelwani Ramugondo
Elelwani.Ramugondo@uct.ac.za

Claire Taylor
claire0taylor@gmail.com

Claire Sinclair
kloksie@yahoo.com