What We Do
This project strives to teach students, engineers, clinicians, and community members how to adapt toys for individuals with disabilities – creating an innovative and inclusive environment for adapted play.
Play is an important part of development, as it enhances motor skills, introduces the idea of cause and effect, and promotes independence. Yet, children with disabilities often cannot use commercial toys as they were originally designed. For example, a child with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease that impacts muscle strength, may struggle to press a small button to activate a toy. An adapted toy, however, can be activated by an alternate method such as moving a finger or tilting one’s head. This adaptation process makes toys more accessible to individuals with disabilities while fostering education, equity, and inclusion.
Why We Do It
For the Toy Adapters
Through the process of adapting toys, individuals learn complex concepts such as circuitry and reverse engineering while also learning transferable technical skills like soldering. Most importantly, our adapters become engaged in broader conversations about accessibility and universal design. Toy adaptation gives people a concrete example of how their education can be utilized to promote inclusivity and make a substantial difference in their community.
For the Adapted Toy Recipients
Through the process of adapting toys, individuals learn complex concepts such as circuitry and reverse engineering while also learning transferable technical skills like soldering. Most importantly, our adapters become engaged in broader conversations about accessibility and universal design. Toy adaptation gives people a concrete example of how their education can be utilized to promote inclusivity and make a substantial difference in their community.
Types of Projects
We have held toy adaptation events with students of all ages (from elementary through graduate students), clinicians (physical, speech, and occupational therapists), and other community members. Adapted toys have been donated directly to families and to adapted toy libraries!