GENETIC ALLIANCE BY REBECCA DOWNEY AND SHARON ALEXANDER, MPA
There is no right answer or complete list of what to look for in an adapted toys.
Each individual has unique abilities, needs, interests and goals.
Playtime is the time when kids are able to free their minds and bodies from the stresses of academic achievement and do what they do best: be kids. Healthy child development is impacted greatly by playtime. Developing dexterity, cognitive, and emotional strength, creativity and imagination is all done through play. By learning to conquer fears and practicing making decisions, children can develop confidence and resiliency while exploring their areas of interest which one day may turn into passions and careers.
But for children with special needs or disabilities, playtime with peers can be stressful. The inability to participate in activities or engage with other children due to physical limitations can be frustrating for a young child. Playtime, which is meant to be fun and a casual way of socializing, can feel like a hard task for someone with difficulty communicating or participating.
One solution: adaptive toys. Adaptive toys offer innovative ways for kids to work together and socialize with peers, instead of feeling isolated or left out of the group. Letting children drive and direct their own playtime with peers also teaches empathy, rule making, negotiating skills, and individual empowerment.
Accessible Play
Toys can be seen as tools for play. New technology has given children with sight, motor, sensory, and auditory difficulties the opportunity to engage in play using toys almost identical to the toys of their peers. One of the biggest advancements in toy technology has been the development of switch-adapted toys for children with physical limitations such as limited use of the hands. Switch adaptors have been used to adapt everything from light up and musical toys to plush and robotic toys to books. The ease and availability of switch-adaptable toys has created a plethora of toys for all age groups and abilities ranging from babies to adults. Other advancements in accessible play include toys with enlarged parts for children who have difficulty grasping or with vision and adding bright colors, bells and other sounds, textures and stability to accommodate a variety of needs and stimulate exploration.
Switches
There are different types of switches to accommodate the variety of needs and abilities of individuals. Push switches are activated by an individual applying pressure on the surface of the switch. For example, rather than the individual needing to use hands or arms to hold or squeeze a toy to activate the toy, they can use another body part such as their foot, their head, or mouth, to put the slightest pressure on a switch to activate the toy. Lever switches can be activated by applying pressure in more than one direction as compared to push switches, which require pressure to be applied in a downward motion. Sensitivity switches are designed for individuals with minimal movement and respond to the slightest muscle contraction.
There are switches designed to detect a difference in air pressure over the switch and even voice-activated switches for individuals with extremely limited to no motor skills. Voice-activated switches are activated when a sound over a certain threshold is detected. The microphone that detects the sound sends a volt to a transmitter, which activates the toy. For other mobility needs, the Dipsy Switch is a tilt-sensitive switch and can be attached to the head, arm, or finger.
Switch-adapted toys can give children the freedom to reach their goals, which may have been achieved in the past only through the help of others such as guardians or friends. Switch-adapting a toy is relatively easy—there are even YouTube videos available to help those who are adapting a toy for the first time. If technology and mechanics are somewhat of a problem area for a family member, teacher, or other facilitator looking to switch-adapt a toy, there are companies who have dedicated their services to creating switch adapted toys and other accessible toys for purchase.
Other Ways To Adapt Toys
Toys can be adapted in many different ways, such as, adding weight to make blocks easier to stack and less likely to roll out of reach of a child. Weighted blocks differ very minimally from other blocks and can still help develop fine motor skills. Adding bright colors and enlarging buttons are other ways toys for children can be adapted for children with visual difficulties. These slight adaptations make the process of play fun, inclusive, and allow children to reap all the benefits of playtime: socialization, strengthened handeye coordination, motor skills, etc.
Additionally, it is relatively easy to custom self-adapt a toy. By using Velcro or suction cups, toys can easily be attached to tabletops or wheelchairs. Keep toys within reach of a child by placing a hula-hoop on the group and the toys inside or place the toys on top of a tray with sides. By placing foam hair rollers, clay that hardens when dry, or sections of pool noodles on the handles of toys, it will be easier for individuals with low motor skills to grasp toys.
Popsicle sticks can be Velcroed to piano keys as extensions for easier access. Make toys stand out by placing light colored toys on a dark surface and vice versa. To make pages of books easier to turn, glue felt tabs onto each page. By not fully inflating balls or attaching a ring or large bead to the end of a string of a pull toy can make both toys easier to use.
Food For Thought
There is no right answer or complete list of what to look for in an adapted toy, as each individual has unique abilities, needs, interests and goals. Although the intentions of wanting play are to facilitate cognitive, social and motor growth, keep in mind the needs and capabilities of the child. When thinking about what toy to purchase, it may be of interest to consider the following: Is the toy safe and durable in relation to the child’s size and strength? Does the toy have sharp edges or small pieces that can be swallowed? Does the toy encourage creativity and independence? Will the toy cause frustration or will it build decision making skills? Does the toy address the physical and developmental abilities I am seeking to address?
Where can the toy be used? Will play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? By considering the unique abilities of the child, a custom list of criteria can be developed and adapted as skills, interests, needs, and goals change.•
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Rebecca Downey is a junior studying Public Health and Education at American University in Washington, DC and a current intern at Genetic Alliance.
Sharon Alexander serves as a Program Manager at Genetic Alliance, overseeing efforts designed to understand and improve the healthcare experience for individuals with genetic conditions.
GENETIC ALLIANCE
The world’s leading nonprofit health advocacy organization committed to transforming health through genetics
and promoting an environment of openness centered on the health of individuals, families, and communities.
