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Holiday Gift Connection

Arts & Crafts
Books - Holiday and Winter
Building, Construction & Model Sets
Eager Learners
Games & Puzzles
Electronic Learning Aids
Music
Imagination Fun
Puppets & Puppet Theaters
Sports & Recreation
Teens
VHS & DVD
Teacher & Therapist

How to Find the Right Toy for Your Child

Selecting a toy for a child with disabilities? Here are the questions that the play experts at the National Lekotek Center ask when choosing developmentally appropriate toys for differently abled kids. Use these questions to guide you in making the right match between the child for whom you're buying and the toys in the Toys "R" Us Guide for Differently Abled Kids! (from Toys 'R Us.com)

1. Multisensory appeal
Does the toy respond with lights, sounds, or movement to engage the child? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is there texture?

2. Method of activation
Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? What are the number and complexity of steps required to activate?

3. Places the toy will be used
Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home? Can the toy be used in a variety of positions such as side-lying or on a wheelchair tray?

4. Opportunities for success
Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child's individual style, ability, and pace?

5. Current popularity
Is it a toy that will help the child with disabilities feel like "any other kid?" Does it tie in with other activities like books and art sets that promote other forms of play?

6. Self-expression
Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness, and making choices? Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?

7. Adjustability
Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, and level of difficulty?

8. Child's individual abilities
Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child's interests and age?

9. Safety and durability
Does the toy fit with the child's size and strength? Does it have moisture resistance? Is the toy and its parts sized appropriately? Can it be washed and cleaned?

10. Potential for interaction
Will the child be an active participant during use? Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?

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