Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Hernandez, Sarah
Area of Concentration
Social Sciences
Abstract
In this thesis I study how scholars in the United States have been discussing, since 1990, best practices for the use and development of playgrounds to enhance the formative education of children with disabilities. My content analysis is informed by three conceptual frameworks: Symbolic interactionism, labeling theory, and the role of constructed environments and interactions. I offer a contextual introduction, addressing the history of treatment of people with disabilities in the United States, the rise and accomplishments of the Disability Rights Movement and the role of playgrounds in American society. As part of the content analysis, I analyzed the terminology these scholars used, how they identified the problem, their recommendations for improvement, and how these changed over time. I conclude that 1990 was a watershed year for the Disability Rights Movement. Not only was the ADA passed, but academics did begin to focus on children with disabilities and their relationship with playgrounds and also used language that reflects the influence of the Disability Rights Movement.
Recommended Citation
Harty, Cristina, "The Importance of Considering All Children: A Content Analysis examining Academic Articles pertaining to Children with Disabilities on Playgrounds" (2017). Theses & ETDs. 5367.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5367