Let's All Play

We at the National Inclusion Project are so excited with the nationwide efforts to make full inclusion the norm rather than the exception.  To further that effort we developed Let’s ALL Play (LAP) to partner with community programs that have an inclusive recreational model, training, and support for staffing.  In 2008, we worked with the Center for Social Development and Education at UMASS Boston to evaluate the effectiveness of LAP. Twenty-four camps participated in the evaluation in a variety of contexts such as YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and community parks and recreation programs.  Programs were located in urban settings like Queens, NY and San Diego, CA; suburban settings like Raleigh, NC and Hobart, IN; and rural settings like Bend, OR and Goshen, MA. After receiving training from us, counselors felt confident in implementing LAP modifications and games.  The five most effective LAP modifications were Picture Schedules, Activity Scripts, Fidgets, Task Cards, and Family Communication Cards.  Counselors reported over a 95% effectiveness rate for each.  Many counselors commented that these modifications were as well received by children without disabilities as the children with. The inclusive games promote success, teamwork, and participation.  Reports from 87% of the counselors indicated that campers with and without disabilities responded well to the games provided in LAP.  Games like Get Your Trash Out of My Backyard, Elbow Tag, Parachute Games, and Zigzag Kickball were the best received by all children. With the combination of modifications and games, counselors reported moderate to high improvement in children’s motor skills, social skills, and self-esteem.  Friendships were established, memories were created, and confidence was built as programs worked to make inclusion a reality in their communities.

We were very pleased by the summer results and embarked with more programs in 2009. To find out more about our programs and how we can partner together, visit www.inclusionproject.org or call us at 919-314-5541.  We look forward to working with you toward our mission of full inclusion.

Community Question
How do you facilitate play between children with and without disabilities? Share your examples and ideas.