Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists October 2016 | Page 16

PLAYTIME MODIFICATIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH
DISABILITIES

2.
3.
4.

5.

6.
7.
8.

Whether it be at home, daycare, school or
extracurricular activities, children with
disabilities
may
benefit
from
modifications during playtime. Here are 8
questions to ask when assessing a child’s
needs during playtime:
1. Does the environment need to be
modified? If the physical environment is
adapted perhaps the child will be able to
be more independent during playtime.
For example, move toys down to lower
shelves to allow the child to access the
toy without asking for help.
Do the play materials need to be adapted? For example, build up a handle on a toy so a
child can grasp it independently or use a larger ball so a child can catch it.
Do you need to make the activity easier? For example, change the rules of the game to
shorten the length of time to play or simplify the steps of a game.
Do you need to make the play time more motivating for the child? Perhaps the child is not
engaging in play because he/she is not interested in the toy or activity. Try using what a
child enjoys playing with in different situations to expand his/her repertoire of play.
Do you need to provide adaptive equipment? For example, use a chair with more support
to provide additional postural control so the child can use his/her arms and hands more
efficiently.
Do you need to provide prompts to encourage appropriate play? Try modeling the activity
or providing occasional verbal prompts for suggested uses of the toys.
Do you need to partner the child with a friend? Try teaming the child up with a friend to
model play activities or turn taking to complete a game.
Do you need to provide step by step visual directions? Try placing visual step by step
photographs in the play area for reminders of suggested play activities.

Reference: Sandall, S. Play Modifications for Children with Disabilities. Young Children
Journal. Retrieved from the web on 9/23/16 at
http://journal.naeyc.org/btj/200305/playmodifications_sandall_1.pdf

Play Move Develop is a collection of 100 reproducible sensory motor
activities to encourage motor skill development and learning. Find out
more information.

16