Let me play: unfolding the research landscape on ICT as a play-based tool for children with disabilities

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature devoted to the state of ICT as a play-based tool for children with disabilities published between 2014 and 2016. The purpose of the study was to unfold the notions on the research topic “ICT as a play-based tool for children with disabilities” for the construction of a research body map following a four-step approach, on the basis of three consecutive years. The applied approach resulted in the development of a map which contained two generic categories and four subthemes. The data of this study surfaced additional evidence that more work was needed for the distinct domains to become a joint and autonomous field of study. The developed map will, therefore, inform and reinforce professionals involved in the life context of the child with disability for the future and current trends included in the research agenda. Finally, this review can certainly stand as a precursor for studies to follow.