NWO grant awarded to promote participation for children with a disability or chronic disease
NWO has awarded over two million euro鈥檚 to the SPACES consortium led by Heidi Lesscher, associate professor in Behavioural Neuroscience and co-chair at Dynamics of Youth's community Thriving & Healthy Youth at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视. The consortium aims to study and develop solutions that support children with a disability or chronic disease to participate in play and sport activities in urban physical spaces.
Taking part in play and sport during early childhood lays the foundation for children鈥檚 meaningful participation, mental health and self-esteem. These are important aspects for their quality of life and for flourishing into adulthood. However, the built environment, particularly urban physical space, is often not designed and managed with inclusivity in mind. The needs of children with disabilities or chronic diseases to participate in leisure time activities are frequently overlooked.
An inclusive living environment for children
Scientists from Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, Hogeschool Utrecht, TU Delft and WKZ/UMC Utrecht will collaborate in this interdisciplinary project. A wide range of societal partners is also involved, including the municipality and living labs in Utrecht, architects, playground developers and various experts by experience. These partners will generate and implement knowledge about barriers and facilitators for an inclusive living environment for children. They will develop innovative solutions that support the participation of children with disabilities or chronic diseases in play and sport activities.