Interactive technologies for children with special needs

Abstract

There is a growing trend in both the academic and private sectors of designing innovative interactive technologies for children. These technologies could be a unique platform for addressing the freedoms and rights of children with special needs. They afford new kinds of support for children with special needs' full participation, both as children and later on as adults, in the public sphere. This workshop highlighted three underexplored themes in designing interactive technologies for children with disabilities, including considerations for participatory design, interactive technologies for children with hearing impairments, and the possibly transformative potential of tangible computing. Some of the future research opportunities and challenges in the areas of deep engagement, interdisciplinarity, individuality, and practicality are discussed. © 2012 ACM.