Opinions of Parents of Children With Special Needs About Outdoor Playgrounds

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research is to examine the opinions of parents who have children with special needs about outdoor playgrounds. A total of 12 parents with children between 0-6 years of age attending special education centres in Denizli were included in the study. The data were analyzed through content analysis. The opinions of parents about outdoor playgrounds were gathered in four main categories as positive and negative opinions, concerns, expectations. Parents had negative opinions and expectations about physical and social environment. In addition, the positive opinions of the parents were related to the emotions and behaviors of the children in the park. The findings of the research were discussed in the light of the related literature. Some suggestions were made for practitioners and researchers.