En-Seña: Board Game for Learning Sign Language

Summary

Board game (for 2-6 players) developed for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders to promote classroom inclusion by teaching the children Chilean sign language as a means to develop their communication, cognitive, socioemotional and motor sensory skills. 

Potential Use

May be used to encourage greater cohesion among students since all children can play the game as it is based on universal design principles. 

The game can be purchased by establishments specializing in children with ASD and their parents since it has been adapted for use with large (6 players) and small groups (2 players). 

It can be implemented at daycare centers that are currently using the baby-sign methodology which is based on using some sign language signs as a preschooler teaching technique.

Development Status

TRL 5 – The game has already gone through an early development stage so that it can be manufactured and commercialized. New signs can be added in order to further children’s learning experience. 

Advantages

It is a piece of educational material that fosters classroom inclusion, which is particularly useful for teachers who have to tackle the challenges related to the School Inclusion Act No. 20,845 from 2015.

Intellectual Property

Copyright registration No. 279,459, No. 279,463, No. 279,46, No. 279,462

Research Team

• Begoña Espínola, Designer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
• Douglas Leonard, Electrical Engineer specializing in Lighting, Universidad Católica de Valparaíso; Professional Lighting Designer from the Professional Lighting Designer Association (PLDA); Professional Lighting Designer form the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA); member of Association of Lighting Designers, Chile (DIA)