AbleNet logo

AbleNet logo

Having a physical disability during childhood can be an extremely challenging and difficult time in life. While other children are able to run around and play freely, a child with a physical disability isn’t granted the same liberty. They may not have full mobility in their legs or hands. They can’t join in on the games that a child without a disability plays.

While not everything is possible for children with disabilities, not everything is impossible. AbleNet, a company that provides products and services for people with disabilities, seeks to help those children who may need their toys and games  made to be more accessible.

AbleNet has introduced a line of switch adapted toys. These toys have been designed so that  a child with limited movement or dexterity can  play more easily with his or her favorite toys. Play is a fundamental component of the learning process and children, including those with a disability, benefit from the stimulation and interaction that certain toys and games provide.

The switches on the toys manufactured by AbleNet are large and external, making them easy to access and easy to use. Once the switch has been activated, a child with a disability can play with the toy in the same way as a child without a disability.

Children with disabilities often feel excluded. These switch adapted toys allow  them to join in on the fun and experience the most basic, yet most important, aspects of being a kid.

To learn more about the switch adapted toy series from AbleNet, click here!

About AbleNet

AbleNet is an international company and industry leader in providing educational and technical solutions to help children and adults with disabilities lead productive and fulfilled lives. This includes a complete line of communication aids for nonverbal individuals; access aids for all ages and situations; and special education classroom curriculum and software that both enhance and help ensure learning progress. Our products are used in hundreds of thousands of homes, clinics, and classrooms in the United States and across the globe.

Kids love toys.  They love to play games.  Kids with disabilities have the same needs and desires.  Switch adapted toys make it possible for children to use and enjoy different kinds of toys without asking for help.

So what is a switch adapted toy?

Switch adapted toy dog credited to University of Maine at Farmington

Switch adapted toy dog credited to University of Maine at Farmington

A battery operated toy is modified with a switch (generally a large colorful button) that can be pressed to turn the toy on or off by opening or closing the circuit.  This makes it easier for those who may have trouble with original on/off controls.

Prices for toys that have been switch adapted vary, and are usually based on the complexity of the toy’s functions.  AdaptivePlay offers a variety of toys that are switch adapted, such as baby dolls, action figures, and plush animals.  They even include batteries!  While browsing their website, you can watch videos for each product to see it in action.  Check out their adapted Playskool Busy Lil Garden Butterfly.

If you would like to adapt a toy on your own, there are a few different ways to do it.  One way is to interrupt the electricity flowing from the battery to the motor with a piece of copper.  The Alliance for Technology Access provides a detailed description on how to do this. Another method is hardwiring the toy to be switch adapted.  This technique actually requires you to re-wire the toy itself.  I found an excellent step by step guide from SMA Support Inc. Both require very few tools, most of which are available at Radioshack.

Switches themselves can get pretty expensive, but because they can be plugged and unplugged from each adapted toy, they get used over and over again.  Enabling Devices has a large assortment, including switches that are large round colors, textured, sound activated, and much more.  My personal favorite is the Pig switch!

Thanks to switch adapted toys, children with disabilities can enjoy their independence while getting to engage in recreation.  The INDATA AT Loan Library currently has a few switch adapted toys in its inventory, and is scheduled to add more.   For suggestions, contact Carol Girt at cgirt@eastersealscrossroads.org.

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