This work stream addresses the themes of play, technology and inclusion.
While technological interventions in the lives of disabled children are standard practice in applied fields, there is very little research conducted into the ways in which technology and play might combine to impact on or facilitate experiences of social belonging.
Praminda Caleb-Solly from the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, will be working with Designability to investigate how their powered mobility device called Wizzybug is used by very young disabled children.
The research in this work stream will involve working in a participatory manner with families and children with a Wizzybug to explore how early powered mobility can help to open the world of outdoor play and support social interactivity and independence outside the home for very young children with disabilities.
Moreover, methods for capturing and communicating the lived and emotional experiences of young children with disabilities, and their families, in a creative and collaborative manner, will be developed, and the role of new technologies in supporting research with non-conventional participants, will be explored.