Promoting Interaction and Shared Play Between Children with Profound Multiple Disabilities and Children Without Disabilities – a Pilot Study

Abstract

Previous research shows that opportunities for shared interaction and play are beneficial for both children with and without disabilities. However, children with disabilities often experience limited opportunities to engage in play with peers. This study aimed to get insight into how interaction between children with profound multiple disabilities and children without disabilities can be promoted. Actions to promote shared play were explored through interviews with teachers and children in the course of a collaborative project with teachers at a school for children with an intellectual disability, situated within a mainstream school. According to the interviewed teachers, play could be promoted through adapting play rules, and materials, providing adult support, developing communication potentials, and time for play. The participating children without disabilities conveyed expressions of enjoyment and expressed ideas of how to support children with disabilities and adapt activities so that everybody could be a part of them. The results are discussed in light of previous research on creating opportunities for shared play between children with and without disabilities.