International Day of Play - Every Child Deserves the Chance to Play

When people think about play, they often picture children running around a playground, kicking a ball, or playing hide-and-seek with friends.

Simple, right?

But for many disabled children and neurodivergent children, play isn't always that straightforward.

Today is the International Day of Play, a United Nations observance held every year on 11 June to celebrate and protect every child's right to play. The day was established to highlight something incredibly important: play isn't just a fun extra. It's a fundamental part of childhood and a recognised right under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

As a neurodivergent mum raising three neurodivergent teens, this day feels especially meaningful to me.

Because while most people recognise the importance of play, not everyone realises that disabled children often face barriers that make play harder to access.

And that's something we can change.

Play Is So Much More Than "Just Playing"

When children play, they're not simply passing time.

They're learning.

They're experimenting.

They're building confidence, developing relationships, solving problems, expressing emotions, and figuring out how the world works. Research shows that play supports children's cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative development, while helping build resilience, confidence, and connection with others.

Play is how children practise being human.

For neurodivergent and disabled children, play can also be a powerful way to regulate sensory systems, process experiences, explore interests, and build a sense of identity.

Not All Play Looks the Same

One of the biggest misconceptions about play is that it should look a certain way.

• Running around with a group of friends.
• Playing team sports.
• Joining in with everyone else.

But play is wonderfully diverse.

For one child, play might be:

• Drawing the same character 500 times
• Lining up trains
• Memorising every dinosaur species ever discovered
• Building elaborate LEGO worlds
• Listening to the same song on repeat
• Spinning
• Collecting sticks and rocks
• Reading about their favourite topic for hours

And guess what?

It all counts.

Play doesn't have to be social.

It doesn't have to be loud.

It doesn't have to look "typical."

The best kind of play is the kind that brings joy.

The Hidden Barriers to Play

Unfortunately, not every child gets equal access to play.

Some children encounter barriers that many of us never have to think about:

• Inaccessible playgrounds
• Sensory-overwhelming environments
• Activities that aren't adapted for different abilities
• Social exclusion
• Assumptions about what disabled children can or can't do

For many families, finding a place where their child can simply be themselves and enjoy play without judgement can feel surprisingly difficult.

And that's a problem.

Because play shouldn't be a privilege.

It should be accessible to every child.

Inclusive Play Benefits Everyone

Here's something I wish more people understood:

Inclusive play isn't just good for disabled children.

It's good for all children.

When children grow up playing alongside people with different abilities, communication styles, and ways of experiencing the world, they learn empathy, flexibility, acceptance, and kindness.

They learn that difference is normal.

And honestly, the world could use a little more of that.

My Wish for International Day of Play

If I could wave a magic wand today, I wouldn't wish for more toys.

• I'd wish for more opportunities.
• More accessible playgrounds.
• More sensory-friendly spaces.
• More understanding.
• More acceptance of different ways to play.
• More adults willing to follow a child's lead instead of deciding what play "should" look like.

Because every child deserves the chance to experience the joy, freedom, creativity, and connection that play brings.

Not just some children.

All children.

Final Thoughts

As parents, educators, therapists, carers, and community members, we all have a role to play.

Sometimes it's as simple as making space.

Sometimes it's adapting an activity.

Sometimes it's letting go of expectations and embracing a different way of doing things.

The theme of this year's International Day of Play is "Protect Play, Protect Childhood." And I think that's a message worth remembering. Childhood isn't just about learning facts and meeting milestones. It's about joy, curiosity, imagination, and connection.

So today, let's celebrate play in all its wonderful forms.

Whether that's climbing trees, spinning in circles, building LEGO masterpieces, collecting rocks, or talking about dinosaurs for the thousandth time.

Because every child deserves the right to play.

And every child deserves the chance to be exactly who they are.

With love and playful vibes,

Jody
Neurodivergent mum of three
Founder of Sensory Oasis for Kids