Applying universal design: A journey into play environments (June 20, 2023)

Presented by: Alice Moore

While changing the child's body functions and structures (child-focused) has traditionally been the objective of occupational therapy play research and clinical intervention, emerging therapy interventions targeting changes in the tasks and environments (context-focused) are showing promise as effective ways to address participation (e.g., Anaby et al., 2015; Darrah et al., 2011; Law et al., 2011; Pollock et al., 2014). This shift most likely reflects the profound change that has occurred in recent years in the understanding of disability, from a medical model towards a human rights-based approach (Lid, 2014). Therefore, Universal Design for Play is timely and relevant as we seek to contribute to the occupational justice agenda of creating the context for the realization of Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989), explore new ways of working, and establish an evidence base for context-focused therapy.

Over the course of this webinar, several topics will be covered. Firstly, the webinar will focus on play, play rights, and play environments, with reference to its relevance for occupational therapy practice. Then, findings from numerous studies will be presented to ascertain the current challenges and solutions when designing inclusive play environments. Following this, a new conceptual model will be presented, that is Universal Design for Play (UDP), as a way of acknowledging the unique contribution that occupational therapists could offer, alongside numerous stakeholders in the design of inclusive play environments. Finally, the webinar will finish with some key recommendations and identify future research directions.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Understand the current challenges in play environments that prevent participation in play occupation.
2. Define what an inclusive play environment is, or should be.
3. Recognize the role of occupational therapists in advancing context-focused therapy in play environments.

Level Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific area of practice

Area of practice Advocacy, Developmental disability, Equity and justice, Health promotion and wellness, Leadership and agency, Pediatrics, Policy development, Role-emerging, Universal design

Client age group Young children (0-4 yrs), Children (5-12 yrs), Adolescents (13-19 yrs)

Language English

Please note that you will have access to the On-Demand Webinar for a period of one year or until the webinar expiry date listed in the CAOT Store, whichever is sooner.  The terminology used in this webinar is reflective of the CAOT Style Guide at time of the webinar.