O USO DA LUDICIDADE COMO FERRAMENTA DE INCLUSÃO NA EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL

This study analyzes the use of playfulness as a tool for inclusion in Special Education, highlighting its role in the teaching-learning process of students with disabilities. The research was developed through an integrative literature review, bringing together ten scientific articles published in 2025, with the objective of understanding how playful practices contribute to the cognitive, social, and emotional development of students in inclusive contexts. The results show that games, play, and adapted sensory activities promote greater engagement, autonomy, and interaction among students, making the school environment more welcoming and participatory. It was also found that teachers play an essential role in mediating playful practices, ensuring that play becomes a means of meaningful learning rather than mere recreation. It is concluded that playfulness, when applied intentionally and systematically, constitutes an inclusive pedagogical strategy capable of transforming the educational process into a humanized and accessible experience for all.