Is play a choice? Application of the capabilities approach to children with disabilities on the school playground

Outdoor play is important for children’s development and an area in which many children with disabilities struggle at school. The aim of this multiple-perspective case study was to understand educator play decision-making for children with disabilities within one low socioeconomic status and culturally and linguistically diverse community. Data collection included playground observations of children with disabilities and educators and interviews with teaching assistants, teachers, and a vice principal. Data were analysed inductively and thematically, with findings aligned to the capabilities approach. School staff and typically developing children appeared to not value the children with disabilities as players or learners, and had a limited understanding of the children’s home and community play environments. School staff had low expectations of children with disabilities’ play and learning capacities. Participants perceived children’s playground presence and not breaking rules as sufficient. Despite educators stating that children with disabilities had choice on the playground, the children experienced few meaningful choices due to relative skills delays and an unsupportive environment. Applying the capabilities approach may lead to greater choice through valuing all children as learners, players, and community members; raising play and learning expectations; and creating play spaces that support the play of all children.