Holiday Toy Ideas for Children with Disabilities
By John M. Williams
Elizabeth Johnson wrote: “I have a 7-year-old child
with two disabilities. She is speech challenged and not very well physically
coordinated. What would you recommend for me to buy her for Christmas?”
Joseph Meyers asked: “What can I buy my grandson for
the holidays? He is nearly blind and has one leg shorter than the other.”
Phyllis Thomas inquired: “I have twin sons, age 10,
with CP. Their speech is sometimes not clear and they are challenged walking.
They wrestle with each other and me. They laugh a lot. They are not challenged
intellectually. They love building things. They are physically strong. My wife
and I want to buy them unique gifts for the season. What would you
suggest?”
Every year around the winter holidays I receive scores and
scores of e-mails from people seeking to buy gifts for a family member with a
disability. I love responding. Here are some of my suggestions.
VTree™ LLC (http://www.vtreellc.com/) develops
special-needs software and assistive technology. The company designs video
games that promote confidence and enhance social interaction. It designs
customizable games especially for those who are challenged by cognitive or
physical disabilities. VTree’s games are adaptable and accessible. Its
games can be manipulated to match the player’s level of competency. As
certain skills are mastered, the games become more challenging, allowing the
player to experience success at each level.
Toys and gifts for muscle-sensory integration include
softballs with a textured surface, punching balls, squeezable stress balls,
Play-Doh and vibrating toys.
Other toys include touch-and-read books, swings, ball
pits, bouncing balls, rocking horses, inside play tents, bean-bag chairs, large
golf clubs, tricycles or bikes with large wheels, trampolines, scooter boards,
spin-and-move toys, large trains, crawling tunnels, record players, basketball
hoops, switches that move animals and large dolls.
There also are Braille playing cards, large-print playing
cards, audible balls, and a variety of tactile board games.
Each year, Exceptional Parent magazine reports on games
and toys that could be fun and helpful for children with special needs. The
site features several toys that stand out as fun products that could foster
creativity, coordination, self-discovery and social interaction.
For information about choosing toys for specific
impairments, go to the National Lekotek Center's Web site.
The Toys "R" Us Guide for Differently Abled Kids evaluates
the listed toys and helps millions of people choose just the right toy for the
children in their lives with disabilities.
The 2010 Learning Calendar from Fat Brain Toy Co. features
365 days of historical, biographical, little-known and amazing facts from the
world of Spectacular Science. Every month in 2010 includes a science experiment
that can be done at home or in the classroom with everyday items.
A specialty toy store owner is likely to be a resource for
parents seeking appropriate materials for their children. For information on
store locations, go to www.astratoy.org
or contact the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA).
Here is what to keep in mind when toy shopping:
For multisensory appeal: Does the toy respond with lights,
sounds or movement? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is
there texture?
For activation: Will the toy provide a challenge without
causing frustration? What is the force required to activate it? What are the
number and complexity of steps required?
Regarding adjustability: Does it have adjustable height,
sound, volume, speed, level of difficulty?
Opportunities for success: Can play be open-ended with no
definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to a child's individual style,
ability and pace?
For the child's individual characteristics: Does the toy
provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does
it reflect the child's interests? |
