Supporting Play for Kids with Cortical Visual Impairment: A DIY Approach to Accessible Play

At Kinetic Kids WA, our team is dedicated to making play accessible for children with complex needs. As paediatric occupational therapists and physiotherapists in Perth, we work daily with kids facing unique challenges, including Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and movement disorders. CVI is the most common cause of vision impairment in children in developed countries, and supporting these children in engaging, meaningful play is one of our passions. Often this means getting creative and thinking outside the box - our speciality.

Understanding CVI and the Role of Play

When working with kids with CVI and movement disorders, creating an environment that reduces visual clutter can enhance visual functioning and help children engage more fully. Here are some key considerations for play with CVI:

Reduce Background Clutter: Minimising visual distractions helps kids with CVI focus. A block-out tent can reduce background clutter, making play objects stand out. Too much visual information can be overwhelming.
Enhance Contrast and Simplify Surroundings: Using tools like block-out tents can improve contrast, making it easier for children to see and interact with toys. By eliminating competing visual and tactile stimulation, it can make a single object stand out!
Allow Time for Response: Kids with CVI often need extra time to process what they’re seeing. This is known as latency, and giving kids the chance to respond is essential for active participation.

Read more about CVI on the Little Bear Sees website.

For children with complex needs, play is about more than just fun; it’s central to brain development and growth. Known as the “work” of childhood, play enhances motor, cognitive, and sensory skills. Play is an active process - defined as a task that is actively engaged in for enjoyment and recreation. For kids with CVI, we want to encourage actively engaging with toys - whether through hitting, swiping, or vocalising - stimulates brain development and builds essential life skills.

A DIY CVI Play Gym for Accessible Play

Inspired by Dr. Lilli Nielsen’s Little Room and Diane Sheline’s CVI den, Emily wanted to create a setup that supports independent, active play for kids with complex needs but in a way that is accessible and budget-friendly. And, she loves a DIY project!

It’s a Great Setup:

It’s compatible with other equipment, for example, a PlayPak, sleep positioning system or standing frame.
It encourages more active play for kids with complex needs, and supports independence.
This setup is lightweight, transportable and can be used across multiple environments (home, school, Grandparent’s houses, daycare…)

How to Create a DIY Block-Out CVI Play Gym

This setup enhances the experience for children with CVI by reducing visual and sensory competition, making play objects stand out.

Here’s what you’ll need to build your own Block-Out Play Gym:

6 x 1m lengths of poly pipe
Something to cut the pipe with
A tape measure
A permanent marker
Curtain rings
2 x T shaped retic pieces
2 x elbow shaped retic pieces
6 x 3-way pieces
Some black electrical tape or spray paint

Watch the video below for construction instruction

This adaptable, portable setup promotes independence in play and active engagement for kids with complex disabilities.

The Benefits of a Collaborative Therapy Approach

A team approach of occupational therapy, physiotherapy and orthoptic input can support kids and their families with strategies to develop vision and motor skills.

At Kinetic Kids WA, we’re committed to supporting families through our paediatric occupational therapy and physiotherapy services. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your child’s journey, or if you’re interested in DIY ideas like this, please reach out. Together, we can create accessible, enjoyable play for all kids!