Activity
The Benefits of Water Play and Exploration for Children with Disabilities
A tool for creating interactive literary experiences for children
By: Damary Lizardo, NEC Program Associate
This summer our consultants Brenda Allair and Helene Gallagher held a session for our families about Water Play and Exploration through our NEC Family Storytime series. Through this program, we send packages of learning materials and books to interested families and our Educational Consultants show us how to implement the topics through inclusive and accessible learning opportunities.
Water play is a universally enjoyable activity for children, but it holds particular value for those with disabilities. The sensory-rich and adaptable nature of water exploration makes it a powerful tool in supporting the development and well-being of children with a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional differences.
One of the most significant benefits of water play is the sensory experience water provides. Water provides a safe, soothing, and engaging medium for sensory experiences. The tactile sensations of pouring, splashing, and feeling water help children regulate their sensory input, which can reduce anxiety and improve focus and attention in other areas of life. Water is essential to all our lives, and all of nature, providing an opportunity to learn more about science and the natural world. Lastly, and most importantly, it’s fun. Water play and exploration is an essential part of summer and we encourage all our families to go out into the world and explore the outdoors together.
There are lots of ways to encourage water play and exploration. Many beaches and lakes are accessible. Local aquariums are another great place to learn about marine animals and science, and by extension, local libraries often have free and discounted tickets. Some resources for the states across New England can be found below:
- Connecticut
- Mystic Aquarium, including their sensory bags
- Connecticut Accessible Beaches
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New England Aquarium – There are free tickets for those using wheelchairs or those who have visual impairments
- Massachusetts Accessible Beaches
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
Water sports such as swimming and fishing can be accessible. Local community pools and organizations are going to be the best bet for programs near you, and Move United Sport has put together a guide for inclusive fishing.
Water exploration and play can even be done at home. Splashing in the bathtub or feeling the rain on our skin provides valuable sensory experiences. Creating sensory bins, or experience books, allow children to be able to recall those experiences later for continued learning. Taking a moment to appreciate the sensory experience makes every interaction with water more valuable for all learners, but especially for children who are deafblind. Asking questions of your child during the experience enhances understanding. Examples of such questions: How did the ocean smell? What did the sand at the lake feel like between our fingers? Was the rain cold on our skin during our walk today? Recognizing all of the sensory information we take in from water experiences makes water learning accessible to all.
A recording of our session, as well as session materials can be found below:
Presentation slides from our session and the handout we used as also available.
