| Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying Toys for Children with Disabilities | ||||||
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| 1. Multisensory appeal: Does the toy respond with lights, sounds or movement? 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 it? What are the number and complexity of steps required to activate the toy? 3. Where wil the toy be used: Can the toy be used in a variety of positions, such as side-lying or on a wheelchair tray? Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home? 4. Opportunity for success: Can play be open-ended with no definite right way or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child's indicivual style, ability and pace? 5. Current popularity: Is it a toy most any child would like? Doe it tie in with other activities like T.V., movies, books, clothing, etc.? 6. Self-expression: Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness and decision making? Will it give the child experience with a variety of media? 7. Adjustability: Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed,level of difficulty? 8. Child's individual characteristics: Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child's interest and ability? 9. Safety and durability: Consider the child's size and strength in relation to the toy's durability. Is the toy and its parts sized appropriately? Does the toy have moisture resistance? 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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