Children need others: Triggers for playfulness in pre-schoolers with multiple disabilities living within an informal settlement

It is undisputed that play is the primary occupation of children 1 and that playfulness is an essential element of play. If more were understood about the circumstances allowing for playfulness, it would be possible for therapists to create optimal conditions to promote it. This paper highlights the findings of an instrumental collective case study describing triggers for playfulness for pre-schoolers with multiple disabilities. The pre-schoolers were observed in a school setting, as well as at home, to determine potential triggers for playfulness. Results from the pre-school show positive and negative conditions both allowing for playful responses. Being included or excluded, experiencing adversity, and noticing others merely nearby were all conditions that saw disabled children respond playfully. Observations at the children's homes revealed only positive conditions as pre-requisites for playful behaviour. These results provide some insight into what inclusive education may offer disabled children