New Application: Adaptation of Toys for Children with Multiple Disabilities

The existing methods of interaction between children with multiple disabilities and toys are complex, expensive and few promote the rehabilitation process. Thus Faculty of Science and Technology, New University of Lisbon (FCT) and the Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Alcoito (CMFRA) joined forces to develop a platform that we hope represents a significant contribution to fill this gap. The aim of the paper is to create a platform that consists of a PDA and two types of interaction modules; one capable of receiving inputs form switches, and retransmit them to the PDA; another capable of interpreting signals sent by the PDA and produce variations of outputs, that connected, for example to adapted toys, can enable or disable them. These modules can improve the way that children, with multiple disabilities, play; because even small stimuli from the child can generate complex interactions of toys. These modules can be used for apps specifically designed for the children and for their rehabilitation process, therefor expanding the area of interaction of the PDA, improving accessibility, and ludic approach. The platform meets the established criteria of the clinicians of CMFRA and will be adopted as a tool by them. We created a platform that improves significantly the mode of playing for children with multiple disabilities and facilitates their rehabilitation process.