Resumo:
Introduction: Playing is the main occupation during childhood, through which children learn
to explore the environment, get to know their own bodies and interact with other people.
Thus, playful activity is characterized as a potentializer of child development, playing an
important role in motor, visual, cognitive, auditory and tactile skills. However, children with
cerebral palsy have a different reality from other children, as they face environmental and
attitudinal barriers and specific issues of the interaction of the context with their clinical issue,
which make playing more challenging. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the use of
Assistive Technology in promoting play in children with cerebral palsy. Method: This is an
exploratory-descriptive study, with a quantitative-qualitative approach, conducted in a virtual
environment. It was carried out with Occupational Therapists who have experience working
with the target audience and with Assistive Technology. Data collection was performed
through Google Forms, containing specific questions on the study topic. The qualitative
analysis methodology was Content Analysis, while the quantitative results were organized
into frequency data. Results:The qualitative analysis identified three main categories: (a)
Accessibility, (b) Facilitated play, and (c) Production of care in Occupational Therapy. In the
quantitative aspect, the data indicated that 60% of Occupational Therapists have training or
qualifications in the area of Assistive Technology and Neurodevelopment. In addition, 80% of
the participants indicated that resources such as wheelchairs, communication boards, and
positioning chairs favor this public to carry out the playful activity. Conclusion: Assistive
Technology has great significance in promoting play for children with cerebral palsy, since its
use and adaptations in the environment can help reduce the barriers that hinder access to this
occupation, promoting greater participation, quality of life and inclusion.
