How We Play!

Toys as the Tools of Play

Let’s Play! Projects

University at BuffaloCenter for Assistive Technology

Susan Mistrettmistrett@buffalo.edu

Website: http://letsplay.buffalo.edu

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 TOYSSensory 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

Increasing 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: choicespiecestype & 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:• box tops, lids• hula hoops• trays

Adapt Commercial Toys

Battery operated toys can be used with a switch.

Create “Switch Toys”

Battery Operated: (AA,C,D cell batteries)

•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