LUDI TRAINING SCHOOL
TOYS FOR A CHILD WITH DISABILITY
Ludi's approach for designing toys and games for children with disabilities is epitomized by their motto: "play for the sake of play". Rather than framing play as a rehabilitative process, they value the independence of the activity of play as an indisputable right of all children.
During the Ludi training school the participants, who have different disciplinary backgrounds, learn how to evaluate and design toys for inclusive play. As a final activity, we created the prototypes for two toys working together with a child and his specific requests.
He likes playing with cars and puzzles.
He likes learning new things such as reading, writing and maths.
He is very social and intelligent.
He likes listening to music
He likes to play with his little brother.
The child has cerebral palsy (spastic quadriplegia)
He can grasp but cannot hold items
He does not communicate verbally
He finds it difficult to play alone
He prefers real toys to apps.
THE CHILD
About the quality of play:
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According to mom
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He likes playing more with puzzles. He likes simple puzzles, such as duck or car.
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He prefers toys without many little pieces and it would be better to have magnetic boards or pieces.
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He likes to move the pieces and complete the game.
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He can use a joystick.
We observed
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He enjoys music, especially the ones that he learns with his brother
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He points with his left hand.
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He can grasp items with assistance from mom
We designed for the child two toys: Rescue the frog and Make sentences with animals. The first abide by the guide lines of LUDI, whereas the second respect the request of the mother of making a puzzle game.
RESCUE THE FROG
AIM/GOAL
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Control the car to catch the magnetic ball and drop it through the gate.
The game is appropriate for the child's mother’s desire to help her child play alone and have fun.
ASSISTANCE
The adult should turn on/off the toy
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environment – Comfortable place for putting the board (table, floor, etc.)
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As he is able to use a joystick he will be able to control the car with it. Therefore he will be able to play alone and reach the goal.
MAKE SENTENCES WITH ANIMALS
AIM/GOAL
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Memorize the sequence of the sound of the animals and touch the animal in the correct order.
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This is also practice game which helps the child practice his memory and learn new words.
The game is appropriate for the child's mother’s desire to help her child play alone and have fun.
ASSISTANCE
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Adult should turn on/off the play
Environment – Comfortable place for putting the board (table, slanted, etc.)
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He can play with his favourite animals, especially frog, touch the soft material, follow the lights and listen to music.
Besides having fun, he obviously educates himself. He would need a bit of help in the beginning.