600,000 USD project in collaboration with University of Bristol, Shafallah Center, Mada Assistive Technology Center. The team aims to design a tangible multisensory technology that explores a broad range of sensory modalities and promotes inclusive collaborative play in educational settings. Research into early child development has stressed the social nature and the importance of mutual play and joint action between children as a basis for healthy development. Yet, children with autism often find it challenging to engage in such activities.
Cognitive, behavioral, and educational science has developed frameworks and approaches to support children when participating in playful educational and social interactions. Modern-day technologies, in turn, can have a crucial role in supporting such social and collaborative play and can encourage children to engage a range of senses, including sound, touch, and smell. Also, the project investigates the extent to which cultural contexts influence co-design, social play, and inclusion.
Team Members
Dr. Dena Al-Thani, Dr. Marwa Qaraqe, Dr. Joselia Neves (HBKU), Dr. Oussama Metatla and Dr. Alison Oldfield (University of Bristol), Dr. Achraf Othman (Mada Center), Ms. Noor Al Sulitit (Shafallah Center)