Finding the Right Toys for Disabled Children
Ideas for Purchasing Appropriate Toys for Special Needs Kids
Mar 25, 2009
Toys of all types can help children develop essential skills, including children born with mental or physical disabilities like autism, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome and other conditions, but some are more directly applicable than others.
Many children with special needs are restricted in their opportunity to play with their peers and are prevented from enjoying the toys and games their peers take for granted because their disability simply won’t allow them to operate the controls.
Toys Aid in the Development of Disabled Children
Kids, disabled and non-disabled alike, love simple toys like bubbles or blocks, or puzzles and cut outs. Here are some other factors to keep in mind when purchasing toys for disabled children:
- It should be a 'design for all', so that both disabled and non-disabled children can use the same toys in similar conditions. In this way, disabled children can play with able-bodied children, reducing the differences between them by using standard toys.
- Toys should be versatile, enabling different types of interaction to take place, or allowing rules to be changed in order to adjust the toy to each case.
- Toys should be suited to the age group, even though the child may be at an earlier stage of development. For example, with a manipulation activity centre for a ten-year-old child with motor disability, we would adjust the size and play theme, since those used for babies would probably be of little interest.
- Large toys (e.g. kitchens, work benches, etc.) should either be able to accommodate a wheelchair, or allow for easy separation into modules that can be used on a surface.
- Toys for use on table tops should have a non-slip base.
- Secure the bases of the toys (with velcro, magnets, clamps, etc.) to prevent unwanted movements during play.
- Alter dolls' dresses to make them easier to handle (e.g. with velcro in the seams).
- Make parts, handles and knobs larger, to make them easier to grasp and handle.
- Fit head rests and safety harnesses or belts in order to maintain the right posture.
- Add ropes or rods to make it easier to pull toys along.
- Modify toy dimensions (height, depth, etc.) to enable access from the front.
- Add protruding parts (plugs, levers, rings, etc.) to make it easier to turn or grasp parts of the toy.
All Children Love to Play with Toys, and Children with Disabilities are No Exception
Today, children who use wheelchairs or hearing aids can have dolls that look just like them. Numerous dolls with special needs are available including dolls with Down syndrome, dolls with wheelchairs, g-tubes, colostomy bags, prosthetic limbs, and walkers. Becky, Barbie’s 11 -1/2-inch fashion doll friend who uses a wheelchair is also available at local toy stores.
Shake ‘n Bobbles Vehicles, which cater to children with gross motor skill development and hand-eye co-ordination, are perfect for parents looking to enhance their child’s learning style.
Children who enjoy art can create their own works using the Draw and Write Touch Board and for those children who are musically inclined, the Discovery Band in a Bucket helps with fine motor development and social skills.
It can be difficult to choose toys for a disabled child, but purchasing toys that match a child’s varying ability makes it possible for children with disabilities to be active participants in play time. After all, disabled children want to be included in the same way as their non-disabled peers.
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