IPA believes that no child should be excluded from the joyfulness, friendship and benefits that come from a childhood filled with play. IPA members around the world have voiced their concern that many disabled children face multiple barriers to exercising their right to play. IPA has therefore developed this Position Statement on the Play Rights of Disabled Children to re-assert the play rights of disabled children, growing up in all circumstances and living environments.
IPA was delighted to have the opportunity to share the Statement and give a keynote presentation to the European LUDI Conference, 4-5th June 2015, in Cyprus. LUDI – Play for Children with Disabilities – is a European scientific network aiming at studying the theme of play (play for the sake of play) of disabled children. The keynote was presented by Keith Towler, member of the IPA Working Group for the development of the UN General Comment on article 31 and former Children’s Commissioner in Wales. Mr. Towler encouraged members of the LUDI network to join with IPA in promoting children’s right to play: