Lekotek's Ten Tips for Buying Disability Toys

Guidelines Help Anyone Choose Appropriate Toys for Children

Mar 20, 2009

No one knows more about toys than kids. Lekotek, the leading authority on play for children with disabilities, offers a checklist to help toy customers choose wisely.

Lekotek, the country's leading source on toys for children with special needs, makes the world of play accessible while promoting toys that are safe, fun, challenging, and popular. According to Children's Hospital Boston, Children's News, "Opening Doors for Children with Disabilities," (January 2007), "Studies show that an estimated ten-million families in the United States have a child with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities and chronic medical problems."

When Age Does Not Equal Ability

Age recommendations stamped on toy products are not always enough to gauge a child's cognitive or developmental ability. How does one go about choosing an engaging toy for a preschool child who uses a wheelchair? What kind of gift is challenging for a ten year-old who is legally blind? How do parents choose toys that are both motivating and safe for the child with cerebral palsy who may have uncontrollable muscle spasms? What kinds of toys stimulate curiosity in the child who is profoundly mentally delayed?

How does anyone – relatives, friends, and teachers included – select suitable toys for the child with special needs?

What is Lekotek?

Lekotek is a nationwide program of learning centers dedicated to making toys and play accessible to children with special needs. Currently, there are 33 Lekotek sites in the United States that offer family play sessions, toy lending libraries, and computer centers. Toys that are adaptable promote inclusion, teach social skills, and build self-esteem.

Family play therapists receive special training to work with children who are challenged by ability. But play therapy isn't just one-on-one. Everyone gets involved in the play program, including the child's siblings and parents. Play therapists understand the challenges that come with having a disability. Just as they are sensitive to the child's needs and desires, they are also tuned to the barriers and limitations often faced by family members.

Lekotek's Top Ten Tips for Buying Toys for Children with Disabilities

Lekotek play therapists know toys are serious business, but play has to be fun and entertaining, too. Lekotek experts have prepared a list of ten useful tips that will help anyone make an informed choice for the young person who is uniquely challenged. Considerations when buying a toy for a child who is disabled include:

A Few Words About AblePlay

The most recent program developed by Lekotek, AblePlay takes the guesswork out of matching specific toys to children who are challenged by disabilities. Toy companies submit products to AblePlay experts for evaluation. AblePlay rates each toy in each of four categories: physical, sensory, communicative, and cognitive. The information is then made available to the consumer. As stated by Lekotek representatives, "AblePlay is finally a way for toy manufacturers to reach the special needs market."

Lekotek's tips for choosing and purchasing toys will benefit anyone looking for a suitable toy to match the needs of a child with a disability. The toy industry, with its vast array of products for children of all ages and all sizes, can now make adaptable toys available to anyone, thanks to the efforts of the AblePlay program. With family support and the kind of positive intervention Lekotek and AblePlay have to offer, children with special needs can enjoy unlimited access to the world of toys and play.

Permission to use the Lekotek logo, and Lekotek's "Top 10 Tips for Buying Toys", granted by the National Lekotek Center, Chicago, IL.

The National Lekotek Center, a division of Anixter Center, is a non-profit organization with a national network of affiliates dedicated to making play and learning accessible for children with disabilities and provides supportive services for their families. For additional information on toys, play and technology for children with disabilities, please visit Ableplay or Lekotek

The copyright of the article Lekotek's Ten Tips for Buying Disability Toys in Kids' Toys is owned by Mary King. Permission to republish Lekotek's Ten Tips for Buying Disability Toys in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.