Including Children with Disabilities in Play to Learn
Resources and insights from Play to Learn programs that we used to include children of all abilities.
Across all ages and abilities, children can engage in joyful, meaningful, and iterative learning through play. To support the inclusion of children with disabilities in our programs, Play to Learn partners created:
- Training modules for staff and caregivers in the Middle East;
- Posters, storybooks and other multimedia content for use in early childhood programs for caregivers;
- Guidance and tools on how to use multimedia to support disability inclusive early childhood programs.
Take a look at our materials below. If you consider using them, plan for a period of cultural and contextual adaptation, so that the images, stories, and information reflect the needs of families you work with.
Multimedia can improve the accessibility and quality of early childhood development (ECD) programs that serve young children affected by crisis and conflict. Sesame Workshop created characters, facilitator resources, and technical guidelines to better support young children with disabilities.
Tipsheet: Multimedia Approaches for Inclusive ECE Programs
Best Practices for Creating Characters with Disabilities
Authentic Disability Representation in Children’s Media
Facilitator Guidelines for Using Multi-media to Advance Disability Inclusion from the Watch, Play, Learn Toolkit
Why Ameera is a Muppet with a Wheelchair that Doesn’t Fit
Meet Ameera – Sesame Workshop’s Newest Muppet Friend!
Guidance Note on Inclusive ECDie
Resources to educate and equip caregivers and communities on disability inclusion and enhance their attitudes and behaviors to support children with disabilities.
Story Book – What is in the Box?
Introduces concepts of diversity and respect for differences between people.
Let Us Play Together!
Series of seven posters that raise awareness on the needs of children with disabilities.
Child Development Milestones
A sample from a series of eight posters with developmental milestones for ages 0-8. This sample focuses on children age six to nine months.
I Have Difficulties Hearing
Example from a set of six booklets that provide essential information on the different types of disabilities, written from a child’s perspective. English and Arabic.
Arabic Sign Language
Clips from the Ahlan Simsim TV show teaching Arabic Sign Language
Resources to educate ECD facilitators and service providers on the needs of children with disabilities and support inclusive service delivery and design of ECD activities and services.
Accessibility and Safety Audit
Check-list to evaluate the level of accessibility and safety in facilities and services (English).
Inclusion Promise
Project commitment towards children with disabilities for all staff. (English and Arabic)
Session Observation Tool
Tool for facilitators and supervisors focusing on inclusive learning practices (English)
Disability Inclusion Budgeting
Recommendations to program managers (English)
Inclusion Session – All the same, All different!
Session guide on inclusion (English)
