Buying Toys For Children With Disabilities

Nearly 6 million of the children who will receive gifts this season have disabilities. Buying toys for children with disabilities should be something that gives joy to both you and the child.

The National Lekotek Center, which provides education and information on play for children with disabilities, has established a list of the Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying Toys for Children with Disabilities.

Beth Boosalis Davis, Executive Director of the National Lekotek Center states, "With thousands of toys on the market, it is hard for parents to know which types of toys are good matches for their children. We have received thousands of requests from parents asking us to help them identify those toys that will bring success rather than a sense of frustration to their children."

1. Multisensory appeal:

• Does the toy respond with lights, sounds, or movement?
• Are there contrasting colors?
• Does it have a scent?
• Is there texture?

2. 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 the steps required to activate?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. Current popularity:

• Is it a toy most any child would like?
• Does it tie-in with other activities like T.V., movies, books, clothing, etc?

6. Self-expression:

• Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness, and choice making?
• Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?

7. Adjustability:

• Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, level of difficulty?

8. Child's individual characteristics:

• Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages?
• Does it reflect the child's interests?

9. Safety & 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?

10. Potential for interaction:

• Will the child be an active participant during use?
• Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?

With the help of this list, parents and other family members will be able to confidently choose exciting toys that offer children with disabilities a chance for success rather than frustration.