The lived experiences of play and the perspectives of disabled children and their parents surrounding brain-computer interfaces

Carina Siu ¹, Manar Aoude ¹, John Andersen ^2,3

⁰Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology +

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March 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) can help children with physical impairments play. Research highlights barriers to play and suggests BCI development should include games and toys for enhanced participation.

Area Of Science

Assistive Technology
Childhood Disability Studies
Human-Computer Interaction

Background

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) offer potential for children with significant physical impairments to control devices through brain signals.
Limited research exists on the specific play needs of disabled children concerning BCI technology.
A social model of childhood disability is crucial for understanding BCI-enabled play.

Purpose Of The Study

To explore the lived experiences of play for children with significant physical impairments.
To examine how Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) can be integrated into disabled children's play.
To identify barriers and opportunities for BCI in children's play.

Main Methods

Descriptive qualitative methodology.
Four semi-structured interviews conducted with two children with significant physical impairments and their parents.
Application of a social model of childhood disability framework.

Main Results

Disabled children's play can be perceived as active or passive, influenced by definitions and perceptions of play.
Significant physical, economic, and technological barriers, alongside impairment-related restrictions, hinder disabled children's play.
Children's perspectives on play may differ from their parents' views, emphasizing the need for direct input.

Conclusions

Future research must prioritize direct input from disabled children to capture their unique play experiences.
Brain-computer interface (BCI) development should integrate video games, recreational platforms, toys, and power wheelchairs.
Addressing social, infrastructural, and environmental barriers is essential for inclusive play through assistive technology.

Keywords:

Brain-computer interfaces disabled children play qualitative study social model of childhood disability