{"id":1609,"date":"2022-03-17T14:03:57","date_gmt":"2022-03-17T14:03:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=1609"},"modified":"2026-05-07T13:26:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T12:26:28","slug":"play-for-disabled-children","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/play-for-disabled-children\/","title":{"rendered":"How to play with your disabled child"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10  align-right  size-medium\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sense is here for you at every stage of life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">From our free play sessions for children under eight, to our adult residential care services, we\u2019re with disabled people and their families every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Get in touch with our team to find out how we could support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Play for disabled children is just as important as it is for any other child.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this section, find more information about how to approach playtime when you have a child with complex needs, and links to fun activities for disabled children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">On this page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#important\">\u200bWhy is play important?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#activities\">Activities for disabled children<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tips\">General tips for playing with a disabled child<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#outside\">Playing outside your home<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hospital\">Playing in hospital<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#rights\">Your child&#8217;s right to play<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#healthandsafety\">Risks, health and safety<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/\">Find out more about how to support your disabled child<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-secondary\" id=\"important\">Why is play important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Play brings joy and laughter, creating happy memories for all the family.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also helps children engage with their surroundings, develop communication skills and self-awareness, and connect with others. It\u2019s a fundamental part of childhood and, of course, it\u2019s a lot of fun!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here at Sense, we know that many toys, equipment, playgroups and playgrounds are not accessible to children with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/what-does-complex-disabilities-mean\/\">complex needs<\/a> such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/deafblindness\/\">multi-sensory impairment (MSI)<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is there are countless ways your child can enjoy playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"activities\">Activities for disabled children<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-3-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0385-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A young boy with curly blonde hair is playing with a tough tray set up for messy play with bowls of flour, water, dough, rolling pins and mixing spoons.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/play-for-disabled-children\/sensory-play\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Sensory play\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tSensory play is a fun, enriching (and occasionally messy!) way of supporting your disabled child\u2019s development.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Sense_AnastasiaJobson-3658-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Two young girls wearing masks and playing with red and yellow twirling ribbons.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-stories\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Sensory stories\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tSensory stories are all about bringing a story to life using your senses.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/luca-and-anne-400x200.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Luca enjoys painting while signing with his Sense Support Worker.\" style=\"object-position: 51.78% 41.52%;\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/messy-play\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Messy play\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tMessy play is exactly what it sounds like: letting children play by creating a great big mess.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Thomas-2269-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Thomas, a young boy, lying on his side on a resonance board with a tambourine, drumstick and tinsel.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/resonance-boards\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Resonance boards\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tA resonance board is a board that you can sit or stand on to feel the vibrations of sounds.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/0315-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Two women sit facing each other, one of them holding an apple, surrounded by trees.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/treasure-baskets\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Making a treasure basket\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tTreasure baskets are a fun sensory experience, giving children the opportunity to explore nature\u2019s variety of textures.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Spencer-in-children_s-studio-3-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A young boy with dark hair, dressed in blue jeans and cream jumper, is sat on the floor playing with sensory toys.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/cardboard-box-den\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Making a cardboard box den\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tFind out how to make a cardboard box den, in an inclusive activity for children of all abilities.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Sensory-tray-aerial-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A photo taken from above showing a child playing with a sensory tray full of toys.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-trays-for-outdoor-play\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Sensory trays\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tSensory trays can be a safe and stimulating way for disabled children with complex needs to explore the outside world.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Scavenger-hunt-1-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"Exploring natural objects using the hand under hand technique\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Scavenger-hunt-1-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Scavenger-hunt-1-800x400.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/scavenger-hunt\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Scavenger hunt\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tExplore your outside environment and find treasures along the way.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Edible-Sand-7-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A boy looks closely at dried cereal in a tray\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/edible-sand\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Edible sand\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tHold, feel and explore a box of cereal.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/our-services\/activities\/\"><strong>See more arts and sports activities for disabled children.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-secondary\" id=\"tips\">General tips for playing with a disabled child<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before you start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Make sure you and your child are comfortable before beginning an activity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All kids do things differently. Give your child time to respond and explore.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be in the moment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For children who are sensitive to touch, it may be helpful to introduce activities with their feet.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less is more. Take things slowly and avoid sensory overload.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be adventurous with play.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Play must always be supervised.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be aware of allergies, sensitivities and choking hazards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"letchildlead\">Let your child lead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As adults, we can find it difficult to play. But you have the best teacher to guide you: your child!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try not to get hung up on rules and goals. If your child wants to dress a car up with a hat instead of pushing it, go with it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow where your child leads, even if it differs from your aim. It\u2019s the process that\u2019s important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Playtime will be more rewarding for both of you if you don\u2019t get attached to an outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Give your child choice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That can be as simple as asking if they want the red or blue crayon. It could also mean offering more complex choices, such as the order to take turns in a game.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By allowing your child to lead, you\u2019ll also learn what your child likes and dislikes. It can also inspire youngsters to explore and express ideas in their own individual way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making choices will help your child develop communication skills, confidence, independence and a sense of self, so when your child communicates their preference, always praise them for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"handunderhand\">Use hand-under-hand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hand-under-hand-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where your hand performs the activity as your child\u2019s hand rests on top of yours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/hand-under-hand-signing\/\">Find out more about the hand-under-hand approach.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\" id=\"makeitsensory\">Make it sensory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Senses enrich life and are vital to how we develop reasoning, intelligence, language and memory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through taste, smell, touch, vision and hearing we learn about the world around us and become more engaged with the activities that we try.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children with sensory, learning or physical disabilities may struggle to access information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who experience difficulties processing sensory information may choose to avoid certain experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Play helps to introduce new sensory stimulus in an accessible and entertaining way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid instructing your child on how to engage with activities. Children find their own way to enjoy sensory play, so let your child explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Encourage exploration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Children learn through exploration and experience. Much of this takes place through play, where children can be creative, take risks and make discoveries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adapt and make toys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mainstream toys aren\u2019t always accessible to disabled children and buying sensory toys can be expensive, but you can make simple changes to standard toys to make them more suitable for your child.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also make toys out of everyday household items.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that anything homemade or adapted should always be used under supervision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never leave a child alone with an adapted or homemade toy. Be aware of anything that could come off and become a choking hazard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10  align-wide\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips on adapting and making toys<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Keep it simple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tailor it to your child\u2019s needs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try adding a tactile element.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may want to enlarge features to make it easier for your child to interact with.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about whether there are any unnecessary features or distractions that can be removed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pots, pans with lids, and a choice of wooden spoons can be used to make noise.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add \u2018clean mud\u2019 (tissue paper and brown paint) to pots and pans for messy play.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Items like sieves can be fun to look through.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill rubber washing up gloves with beans or liquid cornflour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put some bells in a secure bag and squeeze into a kitchen whisk to create a shaker.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignright is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Making play inclusive - Using household items\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lbp9K1BXLn4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make play inclusive for siblings, too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Children connect and bond through play and there are lots of ways of encouraging this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can adapt activities to include turn-taking. For example, children can take turns to tap rhythms on a resonance board or roll tactile balls across a board or floor to each other.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tailoring play to include the way your child communicates is important. Learning to communicate as a family is a great bonding experience, especially for siblings.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Play activities can include both informal and formal communication methods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember: inclusion should work both ways. It allows children to get involved in each other\u2019s favourite activities and create new things together.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-wide\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-secondary\" id=\"outside\">Playing outside your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the tips and techniques in our toolkit can be enjoyed away from home with little or no adaptation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re visiting friends and family or heading outdoors, consider taking some of your play accessories with you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor play is essential to the healthy physical, social and emotional development of all children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having an awareness and connection with nature enhances appreciation and wellbeing for children and adults alike.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children with complex needs especially receive help from exploring sights, smells, textures and sounds in natural environments. The opportunity to play freely helps to develop confidence and self-esteem, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The play activities described in this toolkit can all be enjoyed outdoors. For example, messy play using sensory trays can be great fun outside.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply being out in the open air can be very relaxing, which is important for both you and your child.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignright is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Making play inclusive - Resonance boards\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Xsa8w82xPsQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>On a warm day, lay your child down on a blanket, under a tree.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They can look at the leaves, hear them rustle, and feel the breeze in the shade. Lie down with your child too, if it\u2019s possible.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try hanging different coloured scarves, textured materials or wind chimes on the branches, if your environment allows.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up a choice of sensory trays, each with a different theme, for your child to explore.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have a private outdoor area, think about leaving these outside at the end of playtime so you can come back to them another time. This creates open-ended play.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Try a sensory tray for outdoor play for children who are less mobile or keen to explore. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-secondary\" id=\"hospital\">Playing in hospital<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignright is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Making play inclusive - Using household items\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lbp9K1BXLn4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>If your child is spending time in hospital, think about what play resources could be made available.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doctors, nurses and therapists appreciate the importance of play, so are likely to be open to facilitating suitable activities that will be engaging and rewarding for you and your child.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The hospital play worker or therapist will be able to provide toys that are suitable for your child. It might also be possible for your child\u2019s favourite toys to be brought to the ward from home if protocol allows this. Ask if in doubt.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember that anything brought into the hospital needs to be reviewed for suitability in a sterile environment. It\u2019s also best to avoid toys that need to be plugged into an electrical socket.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It may not be possible to bring lots of toys to the ward but there are practical nursing items that can be adapted to make excellent sterile playthings. For example:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Blow up a rubber glove and draw a face on it or fill it with water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try tapping rhythms on a disposable paper bowl.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Survival blankets are shiny, have an interesting texture and make a nice sound. You can take turns scrunching a corner.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2018I\u2019ve been GOOD!\u2019 (or similar) stickers can make you very popular!&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2018Beads of Courage\u2019 recognise your child\u2019s journey and can support them to talk about it. <a href=\"https:\/\/beadsofcourageuk.org\/\">Visit the Beads of Courage website<\/a> to find out more.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your child needs a quiet space, it is always worth asking if a room is available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add \u2018clean mud\u2019 (tissue paper and brown paint) to pots and pans for messy play.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Items like sieves can be fun to look through.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill rubber washing up gloves with beans or liquid cornflour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> Put some bells in a secure bag and squeeze into a kitchen whisk to create a shaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-wide\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-secondary\" id=\"rights\">Your child&#8217;s right to play<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We want to make sure that you, as parents, know your rights and understand what you and your child are legally entitled to.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are legal requirements around play for disabled children, set out in the Equality Act 2010. It gives legal protection to disabled children and families looking to access play services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public bodies that provide play facilities must also comply with the public sector equality duty set out in the Equality Act 2010, for example.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Equality and Human Rights Commission gives guidance on its website about legal requirements in relation to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.equalityhumanrights.com\/en\/advice-and-guidance\/what-discrimination\">discrimination<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.equalityhumanrights.com\/en\/advice-and-guidance\/what-are-reasonable-adjustments\">reasonable adjustments<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.equalityhumanrights.com\/en\/advice-and-guidance\/public-sector-equality-duty\">the public sector equality duty<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    align-wide\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-secondary\" id=\"healthandsafety\">Risks, health and safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Health and safety are important and must always be considered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Sense we recognise that achieving a balance between protecting children from serious risk and allowing them to reap the benefits of play isn\u2019t always easy. We also know that the opportunity for play develops a child\u2019s risk awareness and prepares them for their future lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Play allows children to explore and understand their abilities. It helps them to learn and develop while exposing them to the realities of the world in which they will live. While it may be impossible to completely eradicate even the smallest danger, constant supervision and awareness of potential hazards help to manage the risk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box  ctaBox    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10\">\n    <div class=\"ctaBox__row\">\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get support from Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a child with complex needs and would like support from Sense, speak to our team to find out more about our services.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__cta\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/ask-us-for-help\/\" class=\"button  button--primary\">Contact us<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n\/* ]]> *\/\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_unknown gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework form--page-useful_wrapper' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_15' style='display:none'><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data'  id='gform_15' class='form--page-useful' action='\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1609' data-formid='15' novalidate><div class='gf_invisible ginput_recaptchav3' data-sitekey='6LejreksAAAAAJiYXWDOrcZJ7jZpJmlNZiQ0scCj' data-tabindex='0'><input id=\"input_4f607b1a221e56b14784efc855e65dc6\" class=\"gfield_recaptcha_response\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"input_4f607b1a221e56b14784efc855e65dc6\" value=\"\"\/><\/div>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_15' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id=\"field_15_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><legend class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\">Did you find this information useful?<\/legend><div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_radio\"><div class=\"gfield_radio\" id=\"input_15_1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gchoice gchoice_15_1_0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input name=\"input_1\" type=\"radio\" value=\"Yes\" id=\"choice_15_1_0\" onchange=\"gformToggleRadioOther( this )\" class=\" gfield-choice-input\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"choice_15_1_0\" id=\"label_15_1_0\" class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline\">Yes<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gchoice gchoice_15_1_1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input name=\"input_1\" type=\"radio\" value=\"No\" id=\"choice_15_1_1\" onchange=\"gformToggleRadioOther( this )\" class=\" gfield-choice-input\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"choice_15_1_1\" id=\"label_15_1_1\" class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline\">No<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/body><\/html>\n<\/fieldset><div id=\"field_15_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_15_2\">If you&#8217;d like to, tell us why<\/label><div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_textarea\"><textarea name=\"input_2\" id=\"input_15_2\" aria-invalid=\"false\" rows=\"10\" cols=\"50\" class=\" textarea large\"><\/textarea><\/div><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class='gform-footer gform_footer top_label'> <input type='submit' id='gform_submit_button_15' class='gform_button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='submit' value='Send feedback'  \/> \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_15' value='postback' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_15' id='gform_theme_15' value='gravity-theme' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_15' id='gform_style_settings_15' value='{&quot;inputPrimaryColor&quot;:&quot;#204ce5&quot;}' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_15' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='15' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_currency' data-currency='GBP' value='k\/jvHU2xG7IXe05SblLAqpdN2Bs\/GaSHkYLYLzBhdIIVm\/\/FgoPWBXcIUbKvENeAvvtBQcZwKiPyPSvTeu1ptzFXARt\/+kmnwWtDvtSG735R3ck=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_15' value='WyJ7XCIxXCI6W1wiMDM0MWMxMDI4YmUxYWVjNGM5ZTEyY2ZlMDE0ODVmMWJcIixcIjExOGI0ZTg5NGRmYWYwNGE0NmExMGNmNTRhMmJkNjNiXCJdfSIsIjBkMDY4MTA3YmU2ZGQxOTU3ZDJlYWZiM2QxM2I0ZDZhIl0=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_15' id='gform_target_page_number_15' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_15' id='gform_source_page_number_15' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\n gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 15, 'https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/plugins\/gravityforms\/images\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_15').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_15');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_15').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){form_content.find('form').css('opacity', 0);jQuery('#gform_wrapper_15').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_15').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_15').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/  }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_15').val();gformInitSpinner( 15, 'https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/plugins\/gravityforms\/images\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [15, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_15'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_15').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [15]);window['gf_submitting_15'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_15').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_15').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"15\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_15\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_15\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_15\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 15, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} ); \n\/* ]]> *\/\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This guide explains why play is so important, and gives you lots of fun ideas for ways children with complex needs can enjoy playing.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":6401,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"content_label":[1424],"class_list":["post-1609","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","content_label-guidance"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1609","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1609"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1609\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"content_label","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_label?post=1609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}