Disabled children need to feel accepted by other children during physical play, reports a landmark study out of the University of Alberta.
Dr. Nancy Spencer-Cavaliere, an adapted physical activity expert, surveyed children with a wide range of disabilities on how they felt about taking part in physical activities during free time, recess, and recreational sports.
The children revealed three central concerns: being allowed to join in, feeling included, and having friends. Simply being permitted by their peers to play was a hurdle for many.
Even those who were able to take part identified a sense of exclusion and expendability. Having friends, the children said, helped them to feel more involved, and enabled them to join in the physical activity without being so worried about their own performance.
Surpisingly, the children tended not to speak about play organized and structured by adults, but instead were more concerned about being accepted by peers.
Researchers warned that there is no single solution and that the experience needs to be tailored to the individual. "When in doubt, ask the child. You get valuable information and it gives them a say," recommended Dr. Spencer-Cavaliere.