Preface

Abstract

This book is one of the outcomes of the work conducted by several scholars and professionals belonging to the COST Action TD1309 "LUDI-Play for Children with Disabilities"1. LUDI was established in 2014 and financed until 2018, thanks to COST-European Cooperation in Science and Technology, an intergovernmental organisation that supports research and innovation networks. LUDI was characterised by the multidisciplinary contribution of more than 100 members living in 32 countries: they were researchers and practitioners in the fields of psycho-pedagogical sciences, health and rehabilitation sciences, humanities, assistive technologies and robotics, as well as representatives from end-users' organizations aimed at granting the right to play for every child, and specifically for children with disabilities. In fact, LUDI started from the awareness that children with disabilities still need support to fully experience play as a crucial activity. At an international level, play has been recognised as a right for everyone: the Convention on the Rights of the Child declares that: "1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts. 2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity" (Article 31; United Nations, 1989). The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reinforced this concept even more, by stating that: "States Parties shall take appropriate measures […] to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access with other children to participation in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system" (Article 30, clause 5d; United Nations, 2006). In 2013, pressure groups' activities in favour of the specific needs of children with disabilities lead to the release of the 'General Comment' on the Article 31 of the UNCRC by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. The comment highlighted the need to enhance the overall understanding of the importance of such article and to strengthen its application: children with disabilities are among those who require particular attention, given their difficulties in enjoying play on an equal basis with their peers.