Assistive Technology for Play and Recreation
Presented by Donna Case
This course explores how assistive technology (AT) can support meaningful participation in play and leisure activities for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Learners will examine the vital role of play in child development and quality of life and how mobility and access barriers can be mitigated through creative AT solutions. The course also introduces low-tech and high-tech interventions—from modified ride-on toys to adaptive gaming systems—that enhance independence, social interaction, and engagement. Through real-world examples and assessment strategies, participants will gain insight into selecting appropriate AT tools to meet developmental, recreational, and emotional needs. This course is designed for occupational therapy practitioners, rehabilitation professionals, educators, and caregivers working with individuals of all ages in pediatric, community, or home-based settings.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize the importance of leisure and recreational activities for promoting participation and quality of life in individuals with disabilities
- Highlight basic methods for modifying ride-on toy vehicles to support children’s engagement in play
- List assistive technologies that support participation in leisure activities across the lifespan
- Select adaptive gaming technologies that enable individuals with disabilities to participate in meaningful digital play
Meet your instructor
Donna Case
Donna Case, PhD, OTL, began her work with assistive technology more than 40 years ago when working with adults with significant multiple disabilities who had been removed from Michigan’s state institutions. She received a master’s degree in interdisciplinary technology from Eastern Michigan University to facilitate her…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Importance of Play and Leisure in the Lives of Individuals With Disabilities
This chapter highlights the developmental significance of play for children and how disabilities may limit access to typical play experiences. Learners will explore the benefits of early mobility and independent exploration, including the role of assistive technology such as adapted ride-on cars. Emphasis is placed on identifying barriers and facilitating inclusive play environments that support cognitive, physical, and social growth.
2. Assistive Technology in Leisure Activities for Individuals With Disabilities
This chapter examines the role of assistive technology in enhancing leisure participation for individuals across the lifespan. Learners will explore how recreational AT—including gardening aids and adaptive sports equipment—can support autonomy, social connection, and personal fulfillment. The chapter includes assessment strategies to identify client preferences, barriers, and opportunities for expanded engagement in leisure activities.
3. Adaptive Gaming
This chapter introduces adaptive gaming as a growing area of assistive technology that supports participation in digital play for individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Key topics include hardware and software modifications, switch access assessments, and strategies for matching technology to client goals and capabilities. Learners will also explore how adaptive gaming promotes inclusion, independence, and quality of life.
More courses in this series
Overview of Assistive Technology
Donna Case
Assistive Technology for Home and Community
Donna Case
Assistive Technology Access, Laws, and Funding
Donna Case
Assistive Technology for Play and Recreation
Donna Case
Information Assistive Technology
Donna Case
Assistive Technology for Activities of Daily Living
Donna Case
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Medbridge courses.
Who creates Medbridge courses?
We work with industry-leaders, top researchers, and consultants to build content roadmaps that are then structured into courses, filmed, and edited by our production team before being launched to our site.
How often does Medbridge release new courses?
New courses are added monthly and are automatically included in your subscription as they launch.
How often does Medbridge update courses?
Medbridge reviews its courses annually for relevance and to assess if content is up to date. Based on these reviews it may be determined that a course is out of date resulting in the course being re-filmed or retired, if the content is no longer needed (e.g. a replacement course already exists, the concepts are no longer best practice, etc.).
How many courses does Medbridge offer?
We have over 3,000 accredited courses and we are continually updating our library with new courses. Check our course library for the most up-to-date count for your discipline.
Are there any additional fees for taking a Medbridge course?
There are no additional fees for taking a Medbridge course, obtaining a course certificate of completion, earning CEUs as a subscriber, or accessing any of the additional tools your subscription may include.
Is there a limit to the number of courses I can take?
There is no limit to the number of courses you can take as a subscriber! As a subscriber to Medbridge, you have unlimited access to over 3,000+ accredited CE courses.
If you are a Premium subscriber, you also have unlimited access to our Patient Engagement Tools such as the Home Exercise Program, Patient Education Library, Orthopedic Exam Tests, and Manual Therapy Techniques. We have over 7,000 exercises and over 650+ videos and handouts of patient education resources with more exercises and patient education added to the library based on subscriber feedback, volume of request and specialities.
What is your refund policy?
You are eligible for a refund provided your request is received within 30 days of your subscription purchase and your account has no activity.