Ludoterapia, curar jugando: Sergio Varela en TEDxUBA

Summary

This script narrates the transformative power of play in the context of disability, as experienced by a kinesiologist. It details the journey of integrating children with motor disabilities into summer camps, emphasizing the importance of play for social integration and learning. The narrative highlights the therapeutic value of games in rehabilitation, the joy it brings, and its role in fostering solidarity and imagination. The speaker advocates for the continuation of play throughout life, as it transcends limitations and unites people in a shared experience of joy and creativity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is a kinesiologist who introduced the idea of including children with motor disabilities in summer camps, which led to a significant impact and the start of a project.
• 👥 The project aimed to integrate children with motor and cognitive disabilities into recreational activities, emphasizing the importance of play as a means of communication and learning.
• 🌟 The initiative started with a small group of children known to the rehabilitation clinic but expanded to include 86 participants with various disabilities.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families played a crucial role as facilitators, helping children with disabilities participate in activities they couldn't do on their own, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
• 😊 The speaker witnessed smiles and genuine affection from the children that were not seen in the clinical setting, highlighting the therapeutic value of play.
• 🎲 Play was recognized as a fundamental activity for both children and adults, serving different purposes such as entertainment, skill development, and social integration.
• 🧩 The speaker discusses the educational role of play, how it stimulates mental and physical development, and helps in acquiring skills and solidarity among children.
• 🏆 The use of adapted games and toys in rehabilitation settings was highlighted, showing how play can be a tool for recovery and rehabilitation.
• 🎨 The importance of imagination in play is emphasized, suggesting that play allows individuals to transcend their limitations and engage in a world of fantasy and dreams.
• 👵 The script also touches on the significance of play in the elderly, as it provides a means of socialization and recreation in their retirement years.
• 🌐 The speaker concludes by emphasizing the universality of play, stating that it breaks down barriers and allows for integration and cooperation, regardless of disability.

Q & A

What was the initial idea behind incorporating children with motor disabilities into summer camps?

The idea was sparked by the speaker, a kinesiologist, who noticed that children with motor disabilities were not participating in summer camps and recreational activities. They proposed this integration to the secretary general of the social institution where they worked.

How did the project begin after the proposal was accepted?

The project began by forming a team consisting of a physical education teacher and a social assistant. They started by registering the children with disabilities and began working on the project, focusing on their inclusion in recreational activities.

What was the unexpected outcome of the first registration for the adapted summer camp?

The unexpected outcome was the high number of participants, with 86 children signing up, which was significantly more than the 20 children initially expected for motor rehabilitation.

Why did the project expand to include children with cognitive disabilities?

The project expanded to include children with cognitive disabilities because some of the participants had language and comprehension issues in addition to motor disabilities, indicating a need for a more inclusive approach.

How did the family play a role in the project?

The family acted as facilitators, helping children who could not perform certain tasks on their own, allowing siblings and friends to integrate and participate in the activities.

What was the significance of the phrase '¿Quieres jugar?' (Do you want to play?) in the context of the project?

The phrase '¿Quieres jugar?' was significant as it represented an invitation to establish friendship and was a precursor to social interaction and inclusion, rather than a mere question about playing.

How did the game contribute to the rehabilitation process?

The game contributed to the rehabilitation process by providing a fun and engaging way for children to participate in physical activities, which helped them recover and improve their motor skills.

What is the role of toys and games in the development of children and adults?

Toys and games play a crucial role in the development of both children and adults by stimulating mental and physical abilities, fostering creativity, and promoting social interaction and integration.

Can you provide an example of how the speaker used games to aid in respiratory rehabilitation?

The speaker provided an example of creating a miniature soccer field on a table, where children would blow a ping pong ball as if it were a soccer ball, making the respiratory exercise fun and engaging.

What is the historical significance of toys like the yo-yo according to the script?

The yo-yo is considered one of the oldest toys, with origins possibly dating back to ancient Greece and China. It has been a popular toy for centuries, demonstrating the enduring cultural and social significance of toys.

How does the speaker describe the impact of games on the mental health of individuals with disabilities?

The speaker describes the impact of games as enriching, highlighting that games can help individuals with disabilities feel integrated, useful, and socially connected, which in turn positively affects their mental health.

What is the final message the speaker wants to convey about the importance of play?

The final message is that play is a universal activity that transcends limitations, promotes imagination, and brings joy. It should never be abandoned, as it has the power to integrate and connect people regardless of their abilities.