Global Development Case Study

Global Development Besio (2004) addresses global developmental gains through play with the implementation of individualized technologies for children with disabilities. A three-year Action-Research study was conducted in three separate phases. The first phase of the trial involved planning an individualized play program, gathering study subjects, and organizing necessary groups to implement the program and gather data. The second phase of the trial consisted of observation and assessment of 6 subjects, 4-10 years old, with physical disabilities participating in activities during the play program. The third and final phase of the trial implemented the Action-Research methodology by providing activities with adapted technology to meet the assessed individual needs of each child. During this phase, observational data was collected and assistive technologies (AT) redesigned and implemented as needed to facilitate each child’s individual needs to execute a specific function of play. Besio (2004) indicated two results of the study. First the result of the action, or …show more content…
Each of the research and studies conducted focused on a limited number of subjects. Schoepflin et al. (2011), Besio (2004) and Prazak et al. (2004) studied only 3-6 children using AT devices. Sandlund et al. (2009) and Miller and Reid (2003) studied 15 and 19 children respectively, while Cook et al. (2010) examined a broad range of both AT devices and children. Pearson (2011) had no subjects but rather drew assumptions based on the capabilities of existent devices and the needs of caregivers and children in care. The population of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children receiving special education services in 2007-2008 totaled approximately 6 million. It is important for studies focused on AT devices for specific needs to reflect this immense population of children and the broad range of needs that must be met. (Turnbull, Turbull, Wehmeyer, and Shogren,