Disability Play Therapy: Implementation of Traditional Japanese Game to Improve Creativity and Education in Public Special Needs Inclusive School (SLB) 1 Makassar

Abstract

People with disabilities generally experience physical, mental, and sensory limitations-this limitation results in barriers and difficulties in interacting with their environment. Education offered at the special needs school (SLB) only provides reading and writing skills. Despite these, it is necessary to hone their inner skills to be optimal with their conditions. Kegiatan Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa Bidang Pengabdian Masyarakat (Student Creativity Event) designed the Disability Play Therapy which aims to hone creativity. This activity adapts the concept of Japanese traditional children's games that are creative and safe for children with disabilities. The activity is held for three months, including the preparations, program implementation, evaluation, and mentoring for the teachers. The program was attended by twelve students from SLB (Special Needs School) 1 Makassar and consisted of four disabilities, namely intellectual disability, physical disability, hearing disability, and autism. The program's aftermath resulted in children with disabilities managing to play traditional Japanese children's games, including improving their cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, and creativity. Based on the results and aftermath of the program. This program is highly recommended to implement disability play therapy as a model for learning activities.