Abstract
The purposes of this exploratory, qualitative research are to (a) examine the parental role in providing materials to facilitate learning and play for children with physical disabilities, and (b) identify the difficulties expressed by parents that affect the support provided to their children with physical disabilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 Saudi Arabian parents of children with physical disabilities to identify the parental role in providing play and learning materials as well as the challenges identified by parents in providing this support. Parents recommended that they initiate and maintain contact with other parents of children with physical disabilities and with associated organisations. Parents also recommended that teachers welcome parents to be involved in support of their children with physical disabilities, especially in the provision of play and learning materials. The authors conclude that disability awareness programs for peers and staff members may improve physical and psychological health for children with physical disabilities.
Highlights
Appropriate play and learning materials are important for the successful development of children, in the early years
Parents unanimously agreed on the importance of the provision of play and learning materials for all children, but especially for children with physical disabilities
The current research suggests that children with physical disabilities in Saudi Arabia often do not have appropriate access to these materials
Summary
Appropriate play and learning materials are important for the successful development of children, in the early years. For children with physical disabilities, play and learning warrant substantial support and attention. Notes that children with physical disabilities often depend on their immediate support network and may participate only minimally within and outside of school. This may be because children with physical disabilities lack appropriate play and learning materials. Using the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the United Nations facilitated a formal agreement in 2006 [4,5]. This Convention had been ratified by 96 countries four years later.
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