January 29, 2016 “How To Adapt a Toy for a Child with a Disability” Presented by:

A tax-exempt nonprofit organization that repairs and adapts toys and devices for children with disabilities See our web site, at:

Repair toys and assistive devices Adapt mainstream toys Educate about disabilities and adaptations All for FREE for Northeast Ohio agencies MAIN ACTIVITIES:

1.Pick up toys from U.S. Marines “Toys for Tots” program, receive toy donations, or purchase toys to adapt using cash donations. 2.Adapt them at workshops 3.Donate them to local agencies during the holiday season (>1200 toys donated in past 3 years) Adapting Mainstream Toys

AGENCIES SERVED: 21 agencies in 8 counties in Northeast Ohio (including): Rainbow Babies Akron Children’s Cleveland Clinic Children’s Cuyahoga County Summit County Lake County Medina County Cuyahoga County Summit County Lake County Medina County Lorain County Wayne County Stark County Hospitals:School Districts in: Boards of Developmental Disabilities: United Cerebral Palsy Hattie Larlham Foundation United Disability Services Society for Handicapped Citizens Other Disability Agencies:

Teach cause and effect IMPORTANCE OF PLAY:

Teach cause and effect Interact with and control environment IMPORTANCE OF PLAY: Plug in a switch Plug in a light, fan, etc.

Teach cause and effect Interact with and control environment Learn alternative communication skills IMPORTANCE OF PLAY:

Adapted toys Demo

Switch Access Plate switch Sip & puff switch Tilt switch Foot switch Grip switch Head switch

How a Basic Circuit Works Regular, unadapted toy, OFF

How a Basic Circuit Works Regular, unadapted toy, ON

How an Adapted Circuit Works Switch adapted toy, OFF

How an Adapted Circuit Works Switch adapted toy, ON

How an Adapted Circuit Works Switch adapted toy, ON

Steps For Adapting A Toy 1.Choose a toy if in a box, put it back in when done 2.Make sure it works try new batteries if it doesn’t 3.Decide which switch(es) you want to adapt lights, sounds, motor? usually 1 switch (two if you’re ambitious) IF IN DOUBT, JUST ASK US 4.Figure out where to connect to switch

Where to Connect? 1.Connect at switch

Where to Connect? 2.Connect along wires

Where to Connect? 3.Connect at circuit

Toy Adaptation Tips Choose where to solder wires (circuit board, switch, in-line) IF IN DOUBT, JUST ASK US

Steps For Adapting A Toy 5.Take apart toy – try to find least destructive way Keep track of all the screws Sewing kits and glue guns available IF IN DOUBT, JUST ASK US 6.Connect cable

Toy Adaptation Tips Cut 2-3 foot section of wire Remove insulation from ¼ inch of wire on each end Connect wires to toy

SAFETY FIRST Soldering irons are HOT! Glue guns are HOT! Use safety goggles if available Young children will use these toys –Do not leave sharp edges or small, choke-able pieces on the toy when you are finished

How to solder Tip of solder iron against wire, let it heat up. Hold solder at tip until it melts

Toy Adaptation Tips Connect wire to toy first, then jack Decide where to have wires exit toy File a notch if necessary Look for strain relief options IF IN DOUBT, JUST ASK US

Toy Adaptation Tips Remember to remove sleeve and put over cable before soldering

Toy Adaptation Tips Wrap one wire through each hole, then solder

Adapted Toys

HOW TO HELP Volunteer at other workshops Sign up on sign-in sheet or at Become a guide to help others at a couple workshops a year Just contact us at Make a donation Donor envelopes available or go to Have a fundraising event that benefits RePlay for Kids Community clubs, scout troops, class projects Organize a toy drive Instructions available at

A Big Thanks to Our Sponsors and Supporters: Corporate SponsorsFoundations Willard Stephenson Foundation CVS Caremark Community Grant Nordson Corporation Foundation Musson Foundation Nord Family Foundation Ohio Children’s Foundation