The National Lekotek Center, the country's preeminent source for information about adaptive toys and play, is dedicated to making play and learning accessible for children with disabilities. Last year, Lekotek developed the AblePlay toy rating system and website that provides comprehensive information on toys for children with special needs so parents, special educators, therapists and others can make the best choices for the children in their lives with disabilities.
Choosing toys for children with disabilities can be difficult. AblePlay's independent toy reviews and detailed information help you get "beyond the box" to understand each toy's unique features, creative ways each toy can be used with children with special needs and skills that will be enhanced as a result. Search for an AblePlay-Rated Toy today and unlock the magic of play for your child with special needs.
The National Lekotek Center recommends the following Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying Toys for Children with Disabilities:
- Multisensory appeal: Does the toy respond with lights, sounds, or movement? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is there texture?
- Method of activation: Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? What are the number and complexity of steps required to activate?
- Where will the toy be used: Can the toy be used in a variety of positions such as side-lying or on wheelchair tray? Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home?
- Opportunities for success: Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child's individual style, ability and pace?
- Current popularity: Is it a toy almost any child would like? Does it tie-in with other activities like T.V., movies, books, clothing, etc?
- Self-expression: Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness, and choice-making? Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?
- Adjustability: Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, level of difficulty?
- Child's individual characteristics: Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child's interests and age?
- Safety and durability: Consider the child's size and strength in relation to the toy's durability. Are the toy and its parts sized appropriately? Does the toy have moisture resistance? Can it be washed and cleaned?
- Potential for interaction: Will the child be an active participant during use? Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?
For additional information on toys, play and technology for children with disabilities, please call the Lekotek Toy Resource Helpline at 1-800-366-PLAY, or visit the Lekotek Web site.
Additional resources for finding adaptive toys:
Toys "R" Us 2008 Guide for Differently-Abled Kids
http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3261680
Infinitec Toy Guide
http://www.infinitec.org/live/shopping/ShoppingGeneric.html
Alliance for Technology Access
http://www.ataccess.org/resources/wcp/endefault.html
Toy Directory.com
http://www.toydirectory.com/specialneeds.htm
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