Project Participate Final Report, September 1985-August 1988

The environments of most young children present many opportunities for learning. However, preschoolers who have severe motor disorders are frequently unable to explore the world around them. Project Participate addressed the problems presented by the limitations placed on the activities of preschoolers who have severe motor disorders. During the course of this project a decision model and guidelines for interventions designed to enhance the ability of these children to participate actively in their educational programs were developed. Interventions to increase child participation in the areas of play with preschool materials, communication, social interaction, and mobility are described. The results of the evaluation of the project are presented. These findings indicate that this project was well received by educational personnel and the interventions that were used significantly increased active involvement by preschoolers with disabilities. Dissemination and staff training activities are described. In addition, training materials, including guidelines for implementing interventions to increase child participation are provided. (Author)