IPA USA 2024 RIGHT2PLAY, RIGHT NOW

"My session would support the theme of this conference, “The Child’s Right to Play,” because I will be focusing on
how, no matter a child’s situation (financially, culturally, physically, or developmentally) they can all be given the same rights and resources to play as equals. While focusing on nature-based play and other forms of therapy play for young children, this
topic really leans more towards the resources, rights, networking, and advocacy that is necessary for play to be an equitable opportunity for all children. Working directly with children who have endured emotional and physical trauma, who are houseless, hungry,
non-English speaking, refugees, in the ASD community, foster-care, and in unhealthy situations, I have come to find a deep passion and need for making sure children always have play in their daily lives. This session will talk about how this can be achieved
for children who may not have the “normal” life of their peers, and the importance of creating community within this play.

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