How We Play! Toys as the Tools of Play

Let’s Play! Projects University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology Susan Mistrett Website: Website:

Let’s Play! Projects US Dept of Education funding since 1995 Focus on play needs of families with children with disabilities Provide research & education to parents, caregivers and professionals who work with these families Collaborate with play organizations + toy manufacturers to design toys with Universal Design features

SELECTING TOYS Sensory Characteristics Increasing Access

Role of Toys for Children with Disabilities Toys may be even more necessary Provide access to play Guide the play activity itself Children may need increased variety for sustained interest Familiar toys promote increased + expanded use

Toy Design…Increased “off-the-shelf” Options Safety regulations for toys for young children resulted in better design Electronic components increase accessibility in many toys Use of Universal Design Principles; for play right out of the box!

Let’s Explore Toy Characteristics

Toy Features to Consider What toy characteristics influence toy choice?

What does the toy “do?” What are its sensory characteristics? visual: lights, colors, movement sound: intensity, quality, length touch: texture, firmness, vibration

What does the child do to make it work? How does the toy turn on/off? – if it is activated by a knob, switch, button, is it easy to see/reach, grasp? –Are there multiple areas? Parts? Is it difficult to do? Given the abilities of the child, is this toy accessible enough to be fun?

Physical Features What is its size/shape; does this effect where it can be used? Is it portable? Can it be used on a table or tray? Is it safe for the child?

Switch Toy features Same considerations as any toy –Sensory –Physical access –Physical attributes Plus one more – movement!

Selecting Switch Toys Toy movement/ directionality –Stationary –Horizontal –Vertical –3D- circular –Random

Toy Characteristics Activity What can you tell us about the toy?

Adapting Toys Suggested materials

Increase Access Increase Access Increase physical access –What would make it easier to hold, shake, grab, release, bat, etc. –Increase awareness + highlight access areas Modify toy and the position it’s used in May substitute different materials (e.g. switches)

Increase sensory + cognitive access Simplify how it is presented –Limit the number of: choices pieces type & amount of sensory feedback

Make it easier to use… Stabilize

Extend/enlarge

Highlight toy areas To highlight toy pieces or access parts, change the appearance/feel of these objects by placing velcro, cotton, sponge, shelf liner, carpet pieces etc. on the toy pieces.

Attach

Confine/Support (keep with reach + visual field) Consider: boxtops, lids hula hoops trays

Adapt commercial toys Battery operated toys can be used with a switch

Create “Switch Toys” Battery Operated: (AA,C,D) Plush Toys Flashlights Tape recorders Games Operation Gearation “Plug-in” Connection: Lights Christmas Tubes Lighted shapes Radios Appliances

Access: Selecting Switches Which are Your Favorites?

Adaptation Activity How can the toy be adapted? for Physical Cognitive Sensory Impairments